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FROM   THE   LIBRARY   OF 
REV.    LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON.   D.  D. 

BEQUEATHED    BY   HIM   TO 

THE   LIBRARY  OF 

PRINCETON   THEOLOGICAL   SEMINARY 


flL^t  &//.*/-  fr-<ji 


r        '     - .  \ .  ■    > 


THE     HIST 


Plymouth    Church. 


• 


(HENRY   WARD    BEECHER)    .847  to    1872. 


INCLUSIVE    OF 

HISTORICAL    SKETCHES 
OF    THE    BETHEL    AND    THE    NAVY    MISSION, 

AND 

&fr*  Silfaer  Slewing. 

ALSO, 

Henry  Ward  Beecher's  first  Sermon  in  Plymouth  Church,  and  an  Al- 
phabetical List  of  the  names  of  all  Persons  who  have  ever  been 
MEMBERS     OF     PLYMOUTH     CHURCH, 
With   date   of   Admissions,    Deaths,    and   Dismissals. 

Illustrated  with  Numerous  Portraits  and   Engravings. 
By   NOYES   L.   THOMPSON. 


•  •. 


NEW     YORK: 

G.    JV.    Carleton    £s?    Co.,    Publishers. 

LONDON:    S.    LOW,    SON    &    CO. 
M.DCCC.LXXIIL 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1873,  by 

G.    W.     CARLETON    &    CO., 
In  the  Office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  Washington. 


Stereotyped  at  the 

women's     printing     house, 

56,  58  and  60  Park  Street, 

New  York. 


CONTENTS 


CHAPTER  FIRST. 


Introductory — Various  Opinions  about  the  Plymouth  Pastor 
and  his  Ministry — Exterior  and  Interior  of  the  Church — 
Story  of  the  Pulpit  Furniture — "Cross  Fulton  Ferry, 
and  Follow  the  Crowd" 13 

CHAPTER   SECOND. 

Plymouth  Church  Property — Brooklyn  in  1846 — New  Con- 
gregational Church  Proposed — Henry  Ward  Beecher — 
His  Sermon,  May  16,  1847 — Organization  of  the  Society 
and  Church — The  Original  "Twenty-one" — Call  and 
Installation  of  Mr.  Beecher — The  Property  Transferred  to 
the  Church , 24 

CHAPTER   THIRD. 

January,  1849,  to  January,  1850 — Erection  of  the  present 
Plymouth  Church — Its  Cost  and  Dimensions — Increase  of 
the  Congregation — The  Pastor's  Dangerous  Illness 65 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER   FOURTH. 

PAGE 

Position  Assumed  by  the  Ministry  toward  Slavery  and  Aboli- 
tionism— Beecher  on  their  Pusillanimity — Fugitive  Slave 
Law  passed — Its  Effect— Kansas  Troubles — Religion  and 
Business — Free  Speech  Advocated — Invasion  of  Plymouth 
Church  by  N.  Y.  Roughs 72 


CHAPTER  FIFTH. 

Church  Finances — Harvey  S.  Weld  appointed  Sexton — Con- 
gregational Singing— The  Introduction  of  Plymouth  Col- 
lection— George  A.  Bell — Sunday-school  Statistics — In- 
crease of  the  Society  in  1852 — Improvement  in  Aisle 
Chairs — "  Pauper  Pews  " — Baptism  by  Immersion — Sta- 
tistics, 1858 84 


CHAPTER  SIXTH. 
The  Proposed  New  Church  Fiasco 98 

CHAPTER   SEVENTH. 

Pew-rent  Record — John  Brown  reviewed — All  Insurrectionary 
Attempts  to  Overthrow  Slavery  Denounced — Contribution 
Record — Rose  Ward — The  Slave  Woman,  Sarah — Ex- 
tracts from  Sermon  Preached  during  the  Bombardment  of 
Fort  Sumter 109 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER   EIGHTH. 

PAGE 

The  First  Long  Island  and  the  Brooklyn  Fourteenth  Regi- 
ments— The  National  Flag — Every  Citizen's  Duty  toward 
it,  in  its  Hour  of  Peril — Sunday-school  Matters — The 
New  Lecture  and  Sunday-school  Building — Encampment 
of  a  Maine  Regiment  in  the  Church — Beecher  in  Europe 
— Sumter  Party — Scene  in  Plymouth  Church  the  Sabbath 
after  Lincoln's  Assassination. 122 


CHAPTER   NINTH. 

First  Organist  of  Plymouth  Church— John  Zundel— F.  F. 
Miiller — The  Great  Organ — Organ  Concerts — Henry 
Camp — The  Quartette  and  Choir 137 

CHAPTER   TENTH. 

Mission  Schools — Plymouth  Church's  Proteges — The  Bethel 
and  the  Navy  Mission — Origin  and  History  of  the 
Bethel,  1 841  to  1872— Stable  to  Palace— The  Navy  Mis- 
sion, 1844  to  1872 — Its  Establishment  and  History — The 
Armstrong  Missionary  Society 143 

CHAPTER   ELEVENTH. 

Mr.  Beecher's  Salary  Increased — Appointment  of  a  Pastoral 
Helper — Deaconesses — Annual  Progress  of  the  Church 
— The  Church  Revenue — List  of  Former  Trustees — The 


6  CONTENTS. 


PAGE 


Present   Board — Deacons    and    Deaconesses — Collection 
System — Sunday-school  Statistics — Conclusion 158 

CHAPTER   TWELFTH. 

The  Silver  Wedding  and  the  Memorial  Fund 1 70 

Alphabetical  list   of  Members  of  Plymouth  Church — 1847- 

1867   237 

Alphabetical  List  of  former   Members  of  Plymouth  Church, 

who  have  died  or  left  the  Church  by  Letter  or  otherwise, 

prior  to  January  6,  1867 252 

Alphabetical  List  of  Members  of  Plymouth  Church,  admitted 

January,  1867,  to  January,  1873 2^8 


APPENDIX. 

Form  of  Admission  to  the  Church,  Articles  of  Faith  and 

Covenants 289 

Basis  of  Union  between  the  Church  and  the  Society 293 

Ecclesiastical  Principles  and  Rules 295 

Rules  of  Order  for  Business  Meetings. 305 

Miscellaneous 308 


LIST  OF   ILLUSTRATIONS. 


I. — Plymouth  Rock Frontispu 


icce. 


PAGE 


II. — Exterior  of  Plymouth  Church 14 

III. — Old  and  New  Pulpit  Furniture 20 

IV. — Portrait  of  Henry  Ward  Beecher,  1847 62 

V.— Interior  of  Plymouth  Church 132 

VI. — The  Great  Organ 139 

VII. — Aisle  Folding-chairs,  and  the  Bethel 144 

VIII. — Portrait  of  Henry  Ward  Beecher,  1872 170 

IX. — Ground-floor  Plan  of  Pews 236 

X. — Gallery  Plan  of  Pews 240 


PREFACE. 


The  name  of  Plymouth  Church  has  been  for 
many  years  a  household  word  in  countless  com- 
munities at  home  and  abroad,  and  yet  little  was 
known  of  its  definite  history.  To  be  sure,  every- 
body knew  that  Henry  Ward  Beecher  preached 
from  its  pulpit,  but,  prior  to  the  late  Silver  Wed- 
ding, few  people  could  have  answered  correctly  as 
to  the  number  of  years  of  his  ministry  in  Brook- 
lyn. 

Several  months  ago,  the  desirableness  of  a  his- 
tory of  this  church  and  society  was  suggested,  and 
Mr.  Harvey  S.  Weld, — a  gentleman  whose  name 
and  face  have  been  alike  familiar,  for  nearly  a  score 
of  years,  to  all  regular  attendants  of  this  house  of 
worship, — in  accordance  with  the  suggestion,  sup- 
plied the  writer  with  the  facts  and  data  which  have 
i* 


I0  PREFACE. 

been  the  foundation  of  this  work.  The  Manuals 
— embracing  the  religious  and  historic  annals  of 
Plymouth  Church — and  various  other  works  rele- 
vant to  the  subject,  have  been  carefully  explored 
and  annotated,  and  their  documents  and  treasures 
have  been  profusely  spread  before  our  readers  in 
the  following  pages.  The  supplementary  informa- 
tion— embracing  a  most  important  portion  of  this 
work — has  been  kindly  and  cheerfully  furnished  by 
Mr.  A.  B.  Davenport,  Mr.  George  A.  Bell,  Mr. 
John  S.  Pierson,  the  Librarian  of  the  Long  Island 
Historical  Society,  and  other  courteous  individuals 
— to  all  of  whom  we  hereby  tender  our  acknowl- 
edgments. 

The  portraits  presented  of  Mr.  Beecher  are  fine 
specimens  of  the  later  improvements  in  photog- 
raphy, and  were  copied  from  originals  by  the 
Photo-Engraving  Co.,  No.  62  Courtlandt  street, 
New  York.  We  are  indebted  to  the  Trustees  of 
Plymouth  Church  for  permission  to  use  several 
of  the  other  engravings. 

Many  things  are  hereafter  spoken  of  which,  per- 
haps, relate  more  properly  to  the  life  of  the  pastor 
than  to  the  history  of  the  church,  for,  although  the 


PREFACE. 


II 


effort  has  been  made  to  speak  only  of  that  which 
related  properly  to  the  church,  the  life  of  the  one 
and  the  history  of  the  other  are  so  closely  inter- 
woven, that  it  has  been  impossible  to  untwine  the 
cord  that  binds  them  together. 

N.  L.  T. 

Brooklyn,  January  15,  1873. 


J 


Plymouth  Church. 


CHAPTER  FIRST. 


Introductory — Various  Opinions  about  the  Plymouth  Pastor  and  his 
Ministry — Exterior  and  Interior  of  the  Church — Story  of  the 
Pulpit  Furniture — "  Cross  Fulton  Ferry,  and  follow  the  crowd." 

HEN  some  future  historian  shall  compile  a 
history  of  the  United  States  which  shall 
review  and  elucidate  the  great  moral, 
social,  and  political  principles  and  motives  that 
actuated  and  influenced  the  various  movements  of 
the  present  day,  one  of  its  -most  interesting  chap- 
ters will  be  on  the  history  of  Plymouth  Church,  of 
Brooklyn  ;  for  this  noted  house  of  worship  and  its 
distinguished  pastor  are  as  much  a  historical  part 
of  our  country  as  is  Plymouth  Rock.  The  interest 
felt  in  the  narration  of  any  circumstance  relating  to 
Plymouth  Church  or  Henry  Ward  Beecher  is  more 
than  local ;  for  the  discourses  delivered  from  that 
pulpit  by  the  pastor  have  unquestionably  had  as 


14  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

great  an  influence  as  they  have  had  wide-spread 
circulation  throughout  the  land.  The  church, 
though  nominally  Congregational,  has  ever  been 
public  rather  than  sectarian  property  from  its 
birth — when  people  of  all  sects,  Roman  Catholics 
as  well  as  Protestants ;  people  of  no  acknowledged 
denomination,  professed  atheists  as  well  as  non- 
professors  of  religion  ;  all  willingly  lent  a  helping 
hand  to  guide  and  aid  its  first  faltering  steps — to 
its  Silver  Wedding — when  hundreds  of  people, 
pewholders,  but  not  professed  Christians,  partici- 
pated in  the  glad  celebration  of  its  twenty-fifth 
birthday  (dating  from  the  commencement  of  Mr. 
Beecher's  labors  as  pastor). 

If  the  church  has  been  public  property  its  pastor 
assuredly  has.  *".  .  .  All  denominations  can 
claim  him,  for  he  is  broad  enough  in  his  sympa- 
thies, and  comprehensive  enough  in  his  sweep  of 
the  truth,  to  afford  a  support  for  all. 

1 '  The  Baptist  may  claim  him  because,  in  his  view, 
*  the  Congregationalist  is  a  dry  Baptist,  and  the 
Baptist  is  a  wet  Congregationalist.'  The  Metho- 
dist may  claim  him  because  of  the  ardor  and  free- 
dom of  his  speech,  his  love  of  revivals,  his  respect 
for  the  responsible  agency  of  man.     The  Presby- 

*  A.  McElroy  Wylie.  Scrlbner's  Monthly,  October  Number, 
1872. 


EXTERIOR   OF   PLYMOUTH   CHURCH. — Pag*  14. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


5 


terian  may  claim  him,  because  of  his  education  and- 
his  early  church  connection  ;  and  because,  after  a 
rigid  examination  by  '  good  old  father  Hughes  of 
Ohio,'  he  was  pronounced  so  thoroughly  orthodox 
that  he  '  leaned  a  little  t'other  way.'  The  Quaker, 
too,  may  claim  him  because  of  his  high  regard  for 
the  intuitions  of  the  moral  sense,  and  his  standing 
declaration  of  independence  from  all  bondage  to 
outward  ordinances,  and  slavish  submission  to  the 
man-imposed  bondage  and  badges  of  ecclesiasti- 
cism.  The  Low  Church  Episcopalian  can  claim 
him  because  of  his  intense  love  of  the  beautiful, 
and  his  admiration  of  order  and  symmetry.  And 
even  the  High  Church  and  the  Catholic  can  find 
something  in  him  for  his  touch  of  antiquarianism, 
and  his  open  and  avowed  confession  that  between 
the  world  on  the  one  side,  and  the  Church,  in  its 
comprehensive  sense,  embracing  all  forms  and 
sects,  on  the  other,  there  is  enough  of  Truth, 
enough  of  Christ,  in  every  denomination  to  save 
a  man  ;  and  one  need  not  abjure  his  own  sect  in 
order  to  be  saved,  if  he  will  but  make  the  most  of 
the  Light  and  Truth  which  are  conveyed  to  him  in 
the  channels  nearest  to  his  hand." 

Love — love  to  God  and  love  to  man — rather 
than  sectarian  dogma  or  theological  bigotry,  has 
been    the    all-powerful    magnet   with   which   the 


j6  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

Plymouth  pastor  throughout  his  ministry  has 
drawn  thousands  to  the  shrine  of  grace,  and  that 
one  word  Love,  as  he  has  preached  it,  is  the  secret 
of  the  success  of  Plymouth  Church. 

The  following  citations  have  been  selected,  as 
among  the  most  comprehensive,  from  the  many 
compendiums  on  the  Plymouth  Pastor  : 

*  "  Mr.  Beecher's  habit  of  wide  observation 
early  caused  him  to  espouse  questions  in  the  large. 
Slavery,  not  the  slave;  drunkenness,  not  the 
drunkard  ;  suffrage,  not  the  voter  ;  mankind,  not 
men  ;  truth,  not  dogma;  were  what  he  pondered. 
The  times  he  speaks  of  are  not  years,  but  eras — 
1  cycles.'     The  qualities  he  sees  in  men,  too,  group 

themselves  into  natures It  is  easy  to  refer 

Mr.  Beecher's  composite  creed  to  its  sources. 
His  allegorical  picturesque  views  come  from  the 
Swedish  seer.  His  assent  only  to  the  kncrwable 
was  the  doctrine  of  Compte  and  Locke,  albeit  the 
latter  would  have  shrunk  from  the  full  acceptance 
of  his  own  premise.  His  exaltation  of  love  and 
of  the  fatherhood  at  the  expense  of  the  royalty  of 
God  is  Channingism  in  expression.  In  his  espousal 
of  restorational  punishment,  Mr.  Beecher  and  Dr. 
Chapin  and  the  Pope  clasp  hands  across  the  sul- 
phurous  chasm    of    Calvinism.       The    Plymouth 

*  Brooklyn  Eagle  editorial,  Oct.  4,  1S72. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


17 


preacher  has  insensibly  assorted  his  creed  from 
many  denominations 

"The  quality  of  his  endowments  is  concededly  of 
the  highest  degree  of  excellence  of  their  kind. 
He  possesses  his  gifts  in  quantities,  too,  greater 
than  any  contemporary  public  speaker. 

"  There  are  dramatic  preachers,  but  none  so  finely 
or  largely  dramatic  as  he.  There  are  word  paint- 
ers, but  their  brushes  are  brooms  compared  with 
his.  There  are  tumultuous  thunderers  'gainst 
wrongs,  but  none  storm  so  vehemently  as  he. 
There  are  men  who  play  upon  the  feelings  of  au- 
diences as  Rubenstein  on  the  keys  of  a  piano,  but 
none  elicit  such  harmonies  as  he.  Mother-wit  has 
shone  through  others'  sermons,  but  shone  never 
so  luminously  as  in  his.  What  he  does  not  know 
of  human  nature  is  hardly  worth  learning.  The 
flowers  talk  to  him  as  to  no  other  student  of  their 
secrets.  The  forest  and  the  factory,  the  leaf  and 
the  event,  all  tell  more  to  him  than  to  most  any 
other  man." 

*  .  .  .  "  Certainly  of  no  other  clergyman  in  this 
country,  nor  of  any  clergyman  who  has  ever  min- 
istered in  this  country,  could  the  twenty-fifth 
anniversary  of  his  connection  with  his  parish  be 
said  to  be  a  national  event  in  so  full  a  sense  as  the 

*  N.  Y.  World  editorial,  Oct.  8,  1872. 


1 8  B  PL  YMO UTH  CHURCH. 

1  silver-wedding  '  in  Plymouth  Church  to-day  can 
be  truly  said  to  be.  It  may  be  said  also,  and  with 
equal  justice,  that  no  man  in  the  exercise  of  purely 
pastoral  gifts  and  graces  could  have  come  to  make 
his  pastorate  a  matter  of  so  much  public  moment. 
....  It  is  not  in  the  homes  of  Brooklyn  but 
on  the  platform  of  Plymouth  Church  that  he  has 
built  up  the  work  by  which  men  know  him.  And 
there,  in  an  age  in  which  pulpit  eloquence  has 
again  and  again  been  demonstrated  to  have  gone 
obsolete,  superceded  by  the  more  frequent,  the 
more  persistent,  and  the  easier  vehicle  of  the 
press,  he  has  come  to  possess  such  a  power  in  the 
land  as  no  journalist  in  it,  with  the  possible  excep- 
tion of  Mr.  Greeley,  has  ever  been  able  to  wield. 
He  has  systematically  inculcated  no  theology,  or- 
thodox or  heretical.  He  has  represented  no  sect, 
and  he  has  been  the  steady  champion  of  no  party. 
He  has  simply  stood  up  from  Sunday  to  Sunday, 
and  expounded,  with  innumerable  variations  and 
with  an  affluence  arid  variety  of  illustration  which 
has  made  him  always  intelligible  to  cobblers  and 
always  interesting  to  philosophers,  the  simple 
theme  of  the  advantage  of  doing  good  rather  than 
evil — of  the  desirableness,  that  is,  of  what  seems 
to  Mr.  Beecher  good,  and  the  undesirableness  of 
what   seems  to  Mr.   Beecher  evil For  to 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


19 


have  heard  or  to  have  read  for  any  considerable 
period,  the  sermons  which  he  has  been  preaching 
in  Plymouth  pulpit  for  now  these  five-and-twenty 
years  is  not  only  to  be  filled  with  admiration  at 
the  force  and  fertility  and  versatility,  but  also  to 
be  persuaded  of  the  fundamental  honesty  and 
goodness  of  this  remarkable  man." 

Plymouth  Church,  itself,  is  almost  as  familiar  to 
the  eyes  of  the  people  of  our  country  as  is  its  fame 
to  their  ears.  The  building,  which  is  of  brick,  is 
two  stories  in  hight.  Of  its  exterior  little  need 
be  said,  for  the  accompanying  engraving,  which 
will  be  instantly  recognized  by  all  who  have  beheld 
the  original,  is  a  far  better  description  than  could 
be  written.  The  front  entrance  is  on  Orange  street, 
between  Hicks  and  Henry  streets,  but  it  may  also 
be  entered  from  Cranberry  street  by  an  arched 
way  passing  underneath  the  church  parlors  and 
the  trustees'  room.  A  little  more  than  midway  in 
this  passage  is  a  small  hydrant,  with  a  drinking- 
cup  attached,  from  which  people  from  all  parts  of 
our  country  and  of  Europe  have  doubtlessly  drank, 
and  by  the  use  of  which  many  fainting  ladies  have 
been  revived.  The  interior  of  the  church  is  spa- 
cious and  very  high,  and  was  evidently  arranged 
more  with  reference  to  comfort  than  beauty.  The 
walls  are  white  and  plain  ;  the  windows — six  on 


20  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

each  side,  and  five  in  the  front — are  large  and 
glazed  with  common  unstained  glass,  and  are 
screened  by  inside  blinds  which  arc  painted  white. 
The  pews  on  the  ground  floor  converge  toward  the 
pulpit,  and  the  broad  aisles  are  rendered  doubly- 
useful  by  the  attachment  of  a  folding-chair  to  each 
pew. 

The  pulpit  platform  occupies  a  central  position 
in  the  back  part  of  the  church  and  is  ornamented 
with  a  finely  carved  set  of  furniture,  *  consisting  of 
a  light  desk — the  top  of  which  can  be  raised  or 
lowered  at  will  by  means  of  a  thumb-screw, — a 
handsome,  armed  chair,  a  small  octagon-shaped 
table  for  books  and  papers,  and  a  still  smaller 
table  for  flowers.  They  are  all  made  of  Olive 
wood — a  very  fine-grained,  light-colored  wood — 

*  Until  1868,  the  pulpit  furniture  consisted  of  one  mahogany 
desk  and  one  high-backed,  crimson-plushed  chair.  Two  other  sim- 
ilar chairs  had  at  one  time  set  upon  the  platform,  but  as  they  had 
generally  been  rushed  for  and  taken  by  unscrupulous  persons,  their 
removal  had  been  ordered.  The  simplicity  of  this  furniture  was 
much  admired,  and  artists  and  mechanics  often  sketched  and  made 
models  from  it  for  other  churches.  Among  the  Pilgrims  to  the 
Holy  Land  on  the  "Quaker  City"  Excursion  of  1867,  was  Moses 
S.  Beach,  a  prominent  Plymouthite.  This  gentleman,  when  visiting 
the  Mount  of  Olives,  purchased  an  Olive-tree,  which  he  brought 
home  with  him  ;  and  in  1868  the  present  pulpit  furniture  was  manu- 
factured from  this  tree  at  his  expense,  and  presented  to  the  society. 
In  consideration  of  Mr.  Beach's  thought  fulness  and  generosity,  the 
society  magnanimously  voted  to  give  him  the  old  mahogany  desk 
and  the  high-backed  chair. 


OLD    PULPIT   FURNITURE. — Page  2Q. 


NEW    PULPIT    FURNITURE. — Page  20. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  21 

and  upon  each  the  year  in  which  they  were  pre- 
sented to  the  society  is  beautifully  wrought. 

Immediately  behind  the  pulpit  is  the  organ-loft 
and  choir.  On  each  side  of  the  organ  begin  the 
galleries  which  otherwise  are  continuous ;  at  the 
front  of  the  church  there  is  an  extension  to  the  first 
gallery  (over  which  is  the  second  gallery).  The 
church  is  well  lighted  in  the  evening  by  a  large 
reflector  suspended  from  the  centre  of  the  ceiling, 
and  by  numerous  gas-jets  underneath  the  galleries 
and  elsewhere. 

The  seats  of  pew-holders  are  always  reserved  by 
the  ushers  until  ten  minutes  before  the  commence- 
ment of  services,  when  by  a  general  understand- 
ing, if  not  occupied  by  their  owners,  they  are 
filled  with  strangers.  Many  members  purposely 
absent  themselves  from  Sunday  evening  services 
for  the  especial  benefit  of  the  thousands  of  outsid- 
ers who  desire  to  hear  the  famous  pastor.  A 
number  of  gentlemen  gratuitously  officiate  as 
ushers.  Their  duties  are  not  only  delicate  and 
difficult,  but  often  unappreciated.  They  are 
obliged  to  hold  back  as  well  as  face  an  impatient 
throng,  many  of  whom,  thoughtless  of  the  rights 
of  all  others  but  themselves,  often  lose  their  tem- 
pers because  pressed  back,  and  seem  to  imagine 
that   the   ushers,    who    are   only   attending   their 


22  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

duties,  are  deliberately  insulting  them ;  but  all 
observant  and  considerate  people,  members  or 
non-members,  will  readily  acknowledge  that  the 
ushers  of  Plymouth  Church,  as  a  rule,  fulfil  their 
self-imposed,  and  often  thankless,  tasks  in  a  gen- 
tlemanly manner. 

The  church  is  open  every  Sabbath  throughout 
the  year,  except  when  in  need  of  repair — in  that 
case  it  is  closed  during  August — and  other  clergy- 
men of  acknowledged  talent  minister  during  Mr. 
Beecher's  regular  summer  vacation,  which  com- 
mences about  the  first  of  August  and  extends  to 
the  middle  of  October. 

The  scene  in  front  of  the  church  on  Orange 
street  on  every  Sunday  morning  and  evening  tells, 
in  unmistakable  words,  the  story  of  Henry  Ward 
Beecher's  popularity. 

"Cross  Fulton  Ferry,  and  follow  the  crowd," 
were  the  directions  some  one  is  said  to  have  given 
long  ago  to  a  seeker  of  "Beecher's  church,"  and 
those  directions  have  lost  none  of  their  significance, 
although  they  have  been  so  well  acted  upon  for 
many  years.  Long  before  the  hour  of  church 
service,  there  gather  in  Orange  street  hundreds  of 
strangers,  and  policemen  have  Sabbathly  been  de- 
tailed to  Plymouth  Church,  "to  keep  the  crowd 
back,"  for  years.     The  building,  capacious  as  it  is, 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  2$ 

falls  far  short  of  accommodating  all  those  who 
rush  thither,  and  there  is  seldom  a  Sabbath  that 
many  disappointed  faces  may  not  be  seen  leaving 
the  church,  within  which  they  have  failed  to  find 
even  standing-room. 


24  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


CHAPTER   SECOND. 

Plymouth  Church  Property — Brooklyn  in  1846 — New  Congrega- 
tional Church  Proposed — Henry  Ward  Beecher — His  Sermon, 
May  16,  1847 — Organization  of  the  Society  and  Church — The 
Original  "  Twenty-one  " — Call  and  Installation  of  Mr.  Beecher 
— The  Property  transferred  to  the  Church. 

|HE  land,  eighty-eight  feet  by  two  hundred 
feet,  comprising  seven  lots,  and  extending 
from  Orange  street  to  Cranberry  street, 
now  occupied  by  the  Plymouth  Church  buildings, 
formerly  belonged  to  the  Hicks  estate.  The  Pres- 
byterian Society  purchased  it  of  John  and  Jacob 
M.  Hicks,  in  1823,  and  erected  thereon  an  edifice, 
fifty-six  feet  by  seventy-two  feet,  with  a  front  on 
Cranberry  street,  for  the  use  of  the  First  Presby- 
terian Church.  At  that  time  the  population  of 
Brooklyn  was  less  than  ten  thousand,  and  many 
thought  the  erection  of  a  church  "out  in  the 
fields,"  an  imprudent  step.  The  new  church,  con- 
trary to  the  predictions  of  the  would-be  prophets, 
prospered,  and  to  such  an  extent  that  an  addition 
of  eighteen  feet  to  the  building  was  soon  neces- 
sary.    In  183 1,  a  Lecture  Room  (including  Sun- 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


25 


day-school  rooms  and  a  study)  thirty-six  feet  by 
seventy- two  feet  was  attached. 

Rev.  Joseph  Sanford  was  the  first  pastor,  offici- 
ating in  that  capacity  from  1823  to  1829,  when  he 
was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Daniel  L.  Carrol, 
D.D.,  who  was  followed  by  Rev.  Samuel  H.  Cox, 
D.D.,  in  1837,  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Cox  continued 
their  pastor  after  the  removal  to  their  new  house 
of  worship  in  Henry  street,  in  1847. 

Brooklyn's  population  in  1846  was  about  *  sixty 
thousand,  and  though  now  called  the  City  of 
Churches,  possessed  then  only  thirty-nine  t  houses 


*  Population  of  Brooklyn,  1845,  59,566. — New  York  State  Cen- 
sus. 

\  These  were : 

EPISCOPAL. 


St.  Ann's  Church,  Rev.  B.  B. 

Cutler,  D.D. 
St.  John's  Church,  Rev.  Evan 

M.  Johnson. 
St.  Luke's  Church,  Rev.  Jacob 

Diller. 
Emanuel  Church,  Rev.  Francis 

Vinton. 
Calvary    (Free)    Church,    Rev. 

W.  H.  Lewis. 
Christ     Church,     Rev.     J.^    S. 

Stone,  D.D. 
St.  Mary' s  Church,  Rev.  Joseph 

Hunter. 
St.    Thomas'    (Free)     Church, 

Rev.  J.  F.  Messinger. 


REFORMED  DUTCH. 

First  Ref.  Dutch  Church,  Rev. 

M.  W.  Dwight. 
Central    Ref.     Dutch    Church, 

Rev.  Jacob  Brodhead,  D.D. 
South  Ref.  Dutch  Church,  Rev. 

S.  M.  Woodbridge. 

BAPTIST. 

First   Baptist  Church,  Rev.  J. 

L.  Hodge. 
Pierrepont  St.  Baptist  Church, 

Rev.  E.  E.  L.  Taylor. 

METHODIST   EPISCOPAL. 

First  M.  E.  Church,  Rev.  H. 
F.  Pease. 


26 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


of  worship  ;  of  these  but  one  was  of  Congregation- 
al denomination.  The  want  of  another  Congrega- 
tional church  soon  became  apparent,  and  several 


Second   M.    E.    Church,    Rev. 

B.  Goodsell. 
Third  M.  E.  Church,  Rev.  C. 

W.  Carpenter. 
Centenary  M.  E.  Church,  Rev. 

John  Pease. 
Fifth  M.  E.  Church,  Rev.  O. 

Starr. 
African  M.    E.    Church,    Rev. 

Wm.  Moore. 
Primitive  M.   E.  Church,  Rev. 

Chas.  Spars. 
Protestant  M.  E.  Church,  Rev. 

M.  Birch. 

PRESBYTERIAN. 

First  Pres.  Church  (N.  Y.  Pres- 
bytery), Rev.  M.  W.  Jacobus. 

First  Pres.  Church,  Rev.  S.  H. 
Cox,  D.D. 

Second  Pres.  Church.  Rev.  J. 
S.  Spencer,  D.D. 

Third  Pres.  Church,  Rev.  W. 
B.  Lewis. 

Fifth  Pres.  Church,  Rev.  Geo. 
Duffield. 

First  (Free)  Pres.  Church, 
Rev.  E.  Weed. 


South  Pres.  Church,  Rev.  S.  T. 
Spear. 

ROMAN    CATHOLIC. 

St.  James'  Church,  Rev.  Charles 
Smith. 

St.  Paul's  Church,  Rev.  Nicho- 
las O'Donnell. 

Church  of  the  Assumption,  Rev. 
D.  W.  Bacon. 

New  Roman  Catholic  Church, 
Rev.  Hugh  McGuire. 

OTHER   CHURCHES. 

Friends'  Meeting  House. 

First  Universalist  Church,  Rev. 

T.  B.  Thayer. 
Church  of  the   Pilgrims  (Con- 

gregationalist),  Rev.     R.     S. 

Storrs,  Jr. 
Sailors'     Union    Bethel,     Rev. 

Wm.  Burnet. 
Advent    Church,     Rev.    Moses 

Chandler. 
Church   of  our   Saviour,    Rev. 

Fred.  Farley. 


This  list  of  churches  and  pastors  is  from  the  Brooklyn  Directory 
of  1845-6,  compiled  and  published  by  Henry  R.  and  William  J. 
Hearne  ;  and  by  referring  to  the  History  of  Brooklyn  (Henry  R. 
Stiles')  it  will  be  discovered  that,  besides  these,  there  were  eight 
others  in  course  of  erection  :  Wallabout  Presbyterian  Church,  Mid- 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


2J 


public-spirited  Christian  gentlemen — John  T.  How- 
ard, Henry  C.  Bowen,  Seth  B.  Hunt,  and  David 
Hale,* — determined  to  supply  that  want.  The  new 
First  Presbyterian  Church  in  Henry  street  was 
almost  completed,  and  the  Cranberry  street  prop- 
erty had  been  offered  for  sale  for  $25,000.  A 
consultation  was  held  by  these  gentlemen,  and  Mr. 
Howard  was  authorized  to  effect  a  purchase,  if 
possible;  $20,000  ($9, 500 payable  in  cash,  and  the 
residue,  $10,500,  to  remain  on  mortgage)  was 
offered,  and  in  June,  1846,  was  accepted. 

On  Saturday  evening,  May  9, 1847,  a  meeting  was 
held  at  the  residence  of  H.  C.  Bowen  for  the  purpose 
of  establishing  a  new  Congregational  church  in 
Brooklyn.  Messrs.  Charles  Rowland,  David  Hale, 
Jira  Payne,  David  Griffin,  H.  C.  Bowen,  and  John 
T.  Howard  were  present,  f  "The  meeting  was 
opened  by  prayer ;  after  which  David  Hale  made 
some  statements  in  relation  to  the  property  now 
held  by  'the  Plymouth  Church,'  and  then,  in  behalf 
of  himself  and  the  other  owners,  offered  the  use  of 

die  Reformed  Dutch  Church,  Church  of  the  Holy  Trinity  (Episco- 
pal), Church  of  the  Restoration,  Church  of  the  Christian  Disciples 
(both  Universalist),  Eighth  M.  E.  Church,  Pacific  Street  M.  E. 
Church,  and  Asbury  (colored)  M.  E.  Church. 

*  Messrs.  Howard,  Bowen,  and  Hunt  were  members  of  the 
Church  of  the  Pilgrims,  and  Mr.  Hale,  of  the  Broadway  Taberna- 
cle, New  York  City. 

f  Plymouth  Church  Manual. 


28  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

said  property  for  purpose  of  religious  worship,  as 
soon  as  the  premises  should  be  vacated  by  '  The 
First  Presbyterian  Church.'     Whereupon  it  was 

"  Resolved,  That  religious  services  shall  be  com- 
menced, by  Divine  permission,  on  Sunday,  the 
1 6th  day  of  May, — that  being  the  first  Sabbath 
after  the  house  was  to  be  vacated." 

Rev.  Henry  Ward  Beecher — then  a  young  man 
thirty-four  years  of  age — was  at  that  time*  pastor 
of  the  Second  Presbyterian  Church  of  Indianapolis, 
Indiana,  and  had  already  gained  considerable 
reputation,  not  only  as  an  eloquent  preacher,  but 
also  as  an  original  thinker  and  fearless  speaker. 

Mr.  William  P.  Cutter,  of  New  York,  who  was 
acquainted  with  Mr.  Beecher,  and  cognizant  of  his 
abilities,  thought  he  was  the  man  to  fill  the  vacant 
pulpit  and  the  new  church  at  the  same  time,  and 
it  was  through  Mr.  Cutter's  influence  that  Mr. 
Beecher  was  requested  to  visit  New  York,  and  de- 
liver ant  address  before  the  American  Home 
Missionary  Society  in  May,  1847.  Thus  it  was 
that  Mr.  Beecher  chanced  to  be  in  New  York  at 
this  time,  and  was  invited  to  deliver  the  opening 

•  Henry  Ward  Beecher  first  entered  upon  pastoral  duties  in  1S37, 
at  Lawrenceburg,  Indiana,  where  he  remained  two  years,  when  he 
removed  to  Indianapolis. 

f  The  address,  for  some  reason,  was  not  delivered  before  the  Home, 
but  the  Foreign  Missionary  Society. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


29 


sermon  at  the  new  Congregational  meeting-house. 
The  following  notice  appeared  in  the  Brooklyn 
Eagle  of  May  1 5  : 

"  New  Congregational  Church — The  Congrega- 
tional Church  in  Cranberry  street  (late  Dr.  Cox's) 
will  be  opened  for  religious  worship  to-morrow 
morning,  afternoon,  and  evening.  Rev.  Henry 
Ward  Beecher,  from  Indianapolis,  Indiana,  is  ex- 
pected to  preach  morning  and  evening,  and  Rev. 
N.  H.  Eggleston,  from  Ellington,  Conn.,  in  the 
afternoon.  The  friends  of  this  new  enterprise, 
also  all  who  are  willing  to  aid  in  the  establishment 
of  a  new  church  in  that  section  of  the  city,  are  re- 
spectfully invited  to  attend." 

A  considerable  congregation  attended  the  morn- 
ing services,  and  in  the  evening  the  house  was 
crowded.  The  evening  sermon  was  on  "  Man's 
accountability  to  God."  Mr.  Beecher  selected  his 
text  from  Romans  xiv.  12:  "So,  then,  everyone 
of  us  shall  give  account  of  himself  to  God  ;  "  and 
preached  the  following  sermon  :  * 

*  This  sermon  was  reported  for  the  N.  Y.  Tribune  (in  which  it 
appeared  May  18th),  by  Mr.  O.  Dyer,  who,  at  its  conclusion,  re- 
marks :  "The  above  sermon  was  delivered  to  an  unusually  large 
audience.  The  speaker' s  manner  was  forcible  and  impressive,  and , 
the  discourse,  delivered  in  such  a  style,  could  not  fail  of  producing 
a  profound  effect,  as  was  visible  at  its  close.  We  fear  that  in 
some  instances  we  have  not  done  justice  to  the  reverend  author  of 
the  sermon.     We  were  obliged  to  omit  several  passages  which  we 


30 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


"There  is  no  doctrine  which  takes  hold  of  men's 
fears  with  a  firmer  grasp  than  this ;  and  when  it  is 
understood  to  include  the  whole  life — the  interior 
and  the  exterior  life — and  that  it  is  to  sum  up 
every  thought  and  feeling,  that  they  are  to  pass  a 
critical  and  rigid  review,  and  that  man's  final  des- 
tiny is  to  be  determined  by  his  deeds  done  in  the 
body ;  when  the  doctrine  is  so  presented  and  felt 
by  men,  it  sometimes  works  their  reformation  and 
repentance,  and  oftentimes  it  works  mischief  to 
them,  and  they  strive  if  possible  to  avert  the  doc- 
trine, to  evade  its  requirements  ;  and  almost  all 
the  popular  errors  which  have  sprung  up  in  The- 
ology are  errors  whose  effect  has  been  to  lighten 
the  pressure  either  directly  or  indirectly  of  this 
great  fundamental  doctrine  of  God's  government ; 
so  you  may  grade  these  errors  in  respect  to  their 
banefulness,  according  to  the  degrees  in  which  they 
omit  to  teach  and  enforce  the  doctrine  of  man's  ac- 
countability to  God.  But  yet  what  avails  it  if  it 
be  a  true  doctrine  if  we  should  leave  it  out  of  all 
our  theories  ?  It  is  a  practical  and  personal  ques- 
tion, and  one  pertinent  to  every  individual  in  this 
congregation.  If  it  be  a  hideous  dream,  we  should 
be  awakened  from  it.     If  it  be  a  solemn  annuncia- 


did  not  distinctly  hear,  and  in  one  or  two  cases  we  were  completely 
distanced  by  the  rapidity  with  which  the  speaker  uttered  his  words." 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


31 


tion  from  the  God  of  Heaven  and  earth,  we  should 
attend  to  it,  and  make  a  practical  matter  of  it.  To 
those  who  are  satisfied  with  the  simple  declaration 
of  the  Bible,  that  there  is  such  a  scene  as  a  final 
judgment  to  take  place,  I  need  adduce  no  argu- 
ment to  prove  that  men  will  give  account  of  them- 
selves to  God.  They  believe  it  because  it  is  de- 
clared in  simple  strains  throughout  the  New  Testa- 
ment. But  there  are  many  who  have  been  so  ac- 
customed to  read  these  declarations  as  mere  un- 
meaning assertions  possessing  no  Divine  power  or 
truth ;  there  are  many  who  have  so  handled  them 
that  they  have  no  longer  any  significance  as  proof 
of  this  doctrine  ;  and  merely  to  quote  texts  to  such, 
is  to  make  declarations  which  will  be  altogether 
without  force. 

"  I  purpose,  therefore,  instead  of  first  entering 
into  the  Bible  to  seek  for  evidence  to  support  this 
doctrine,  to  take  another  course  of  argument,  and 
ascertain  whether  this  is  or  not  a  fundamental  prin- 
ciple that  runs  through  God's  government,  and 
whether  it  is  or  not  inherent  in  the  nature  of  man. 
I  do  not  hesitate  to  declare  that  there  is  abundant 
evidence  outside  of  the  Bible  of  the  truth  of  this 
great  declaration,  that  we  are  to  be  held  to  a  rigid 
accountability  to  God  for  all  our  actions  and 
thoughts  in  this  world. 


32  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

"Let  us  start  then  from  the  beginning,  and  take 
man  and  follow  him  up  from  the  cradle  to  the 
grave,  through  all  his  relations  of  life — his  relations 
to  his  family,  his  neighbors,  his  country — and  see 
if  this  doctrine  is  not  practically  acknowledged  by 
him  throughout  his  entire  career. 

"And  first:  When  the  child  is  born  into  the 
world  and  becomes  a  member  of  a  family,  he  is  as 
helpless  as  helplessness  itself,  and  entirely  depend- 
ent upon  those  whose  duty  under  God  it  is  to 
watch  over,  and  protect,  and  nourish  him  ;  but  just 
as  the  child  begins  to  develop  its  understanding — 
just  as  it  begins  to  be  able  to  act  for  itself — from 
the  very  moment  that  it  begins  to  manifest  its  pref- 
erence for  one  thing  over  another,  that  very  mo- 
ment it  is  met  on  the  threshold  of  life  by  parental 
restraint  and  supervision  which  are  necessary  to  its 
existence.  The  anxious  mother  is  ever  on  the 
watch  lest  it  should  come  to  harm.  It  may  not 
take  poisonous  food — the  mother's  care  restrains 
it ;  it  may  not  fall  *  from  precipitous  places — the 
mother  rescues  it ;  it  may  not  come  to  injury  or 
harm — the  mother  ever  shields  it.  And  not  alone 
in  respect  to  these  things  is  it  restrained,  but  the 
governing  hand  of  the  parents  is  felt  in  all  its  rela- 
tions, its  actions,  and  desires,  and  the  child  is 
'taught  that  it  is  to  occupy  a  subordinate  position 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  33 

in  the  family,  and  be  subject  to  the  wishes  of  its 
superiors.  It  is  taught  that  there  must  be  certain 
limits  to  its  wishes  and  actions — that  the  parents 
are  the  governors  of  the  family,  that  there  are 
others  to  participate  in  its  privileges,  and  that 
his  liberty  must  be  reduced  within  those  limits ; 
and  in  every  well-regulated  family,  a  child  is 
taught  to  conform  itself  to  the  wishes  of  its 
superiors ;  and  just  in  proportion  as  it  is  not 
so  taught,  the  family  is  badly  governed.  So  that 
the  very  first  experience  which  we  have  when 
we  come  into  life  is,  that  we  cannot  do  as  we 
please.  At  every  step  we  meet  with  restraint  and 
coercion  ;  our  wishes  are  opposed,  our  expecta- 
tions thwarted  by  our  guardians  continually. 

"But  the  child  grows  older,  and  passes  out  for  a 
time  from  the  immediate  supervision  of  its  parents 
and  enters  into  the  school,  where  it  is  surrounded 
with  new  relations.  Does  it  drop  the  principle 
here  ?  or  is  its  binding  force  augmented  ?  Why, 
the  child  at  school,  the  same  as  the  child  at  home, 
is  under  the  control  and  government  of  its  parents; 
and  in  aspiring  into  another  sphere  it  has  brought 
itself  under  an  additional  responsibility.  The  child 
now  is  not  alone  held  responsible  to  its  parents 
but  to  its  teacher  also.  It  finds  that  in  all  its  rela- 
tions in  the  school,  it  is  under  the  influence  of  this 


34  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

principle  of  accountability.  It  cannot  carry  out 
its  own  wishes  in  the  school-room.  The  teacher 
is  there.  His  authority  presses  upon  the  child, 
and  reward  for  obedience  and  penalty  for  diso- 
bedience cause  it  to  come  down  to  its  proper 
place,  and  he  feels  that  so  far  from  ridding  himself 
of  the  influence  of  this  principle  of  accountability 
by  entering  school,  he  has  greatly  added  to  it — 
that  where  he  previously  had  one  governor  he  now 
has  two. 

"  But  there  is  an  interval  between  school  and 
home  duties  ;  there  is  a  time  which  they  call  play- 
spell,  when  they  are  no  longer  under  the  control 
of  the  parent  or  of  the  teacher  ;  a  time  when  they 
are  left  entirely  to  themselves,  with  no  one  to 
command  them  or  thwart  their  humors  ;  and  now, 
surely,  they  will  have  a  breathing-time  ;  now  they 
can  cast  off  for  a  time  this  onerous.yoke  of  ac- 
countability and  revel  unrestrained  in  the  Utopia 
of  freedom.  But  no,  they  will  not ;  for  there  are 
laws  among  the  young  by  which  they  are  gov- 
erned as  with  a  rod  of  iron.  Is  there  not  a  law  of 
honor  among  all  young  men,  to  which  they  must 
yield  implicit  obedience  ?  Can  they  go  against  the 
ordinary  customs  and  usages  of  the  circles  in  which 
they  move  ?  To  be  sure,  they  do  not  take  into 
their  hands  the  same   authority  and  assume  the 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


35 


same  control  as  their  parents  and  teachers  do  ;  but 
they  have  laws  of  their  own  which  must  be  obeyed, 
and  if  any  of  their  number  will  not  do  as  they 
ought  to  do,  they  are  cast  out  of  the  circle, 
shunned  by  their  former  associates,  and  made  to 
feel  that  they  cannot  infringe  with  impunity  upon 
the  conventionalities  of  their  society  in  which  they 
move.  So  then,  even  when  they  are  without  the 
influence  of  the  family  and  the  school,  they  are 
compelled  instantly  to  put  on  the  harness  of  ac- 
countability, as  if  they  could  not  live  without  it. 

"  Next,  the  youth  having  made  some  attainments 
in  learning,  and  coming  to  the  years  which  are 
proper,  goes  forth  to  learn  his  profession  or  trade, 
and  in  this  new  relation  of  life  does  he  lose  sight 
of  this  principle,  or  does  it  lose  sight  of  him  ?  Can 
he  go  into  the  shop  of  the  mechanic  as  an  appren- 
tice and  perform  such  service  as  he  will  ?  No. 
As  a  student  in  the  office  can  he  study  when  and 
what  he  will  ?  No.  In  whatever  vocation  he  may 
put  himself,  he  finds  that  he  is  responsible  to  him 
to  whom  he  is  bound  ;  he  is  obliged  to  obey  him, 
and  if  he  does  not,  he  loses  the  object  he  is  seeking 
by  his  connection  with  his  master. 

"But  at  last  the  young  man  is  established.  He 
has  now  attained  to  years  of  discretion,  and  the 
law  pronounces  him  free  from  his  parents.     He 


36 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


has  gained  the  means  of  livelihood  and  establishes 
himself  in  business.  And  is  he  not  now  released 
from  this  law  ?  Is  he  not  set  free  at  last  ?  No  ; 
by  no  means.  As  a  citizen,  he  comes  under  the 
law  of  the  land  ;  as  a  member  of  his  neighborhood, 
he  is  under  a  responsibility  to  his  neighbors. 
And  more  than  this,  there  is  no  calling  in  life  that 
is  independent  of  other  men.  Let  a  man  be  a 
mechanic,  a  lawyer,  a  physician,  a  merchant,  or 
what  he  will,  he  will  find  that  he  must  conform 
himself,  in  a  measure,  to  the  wishes  and  opinions 
of  those  by  whom  he  is  surrounded.  Let  a  phy- 
sician assume  the  preposterous  position  of  absolute 
independence,  and  say,  '  I  am  of  age,  and  will 
have  my  opinions,  and  will  do  what  I  please,  and 
will  not  be  governed  or  influenced  by  my  neigh- 
bors or  professional  brethren  ; '  and  they  will  say, 
1  We  are  of  age,  and  we  will  have  our  opinions, 
and  one  among  the  rest  is,  that  you  are  not  fit  to 
be  trusted  with  the  life  of  a  fellow-being  ;  and  you 
may  get  your  living  as  you  can — we  will  have 
nothing  to  do  with  you.'  Let  a  lawyer  do  the 
same,  and  his  clients  will  have  a  very  quiet  way  of 
shutting  his  mouth,  and  will  give  him  abundant 
leisure  for  reflection  in  regard  to  his  philosophy  of 
independence  as  applied  to  business.  And  so  it  is 
in  every  vocation  of  life.     You  are  all  under  obli- 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  37 

gations  to  regard  the  opinions  of  those  who  stand 
around  you,  who  are  to  help  you,  and  whom  you 
are  to  help.  In  the  great  Brotherhood  of  Man  no 
one  can  say,  '  I  am  alone ;  I  need  not  the  aid  of 
others  ;  I  will  not  regard  this  law  of  accountability  ; 
I  will  not  respect  the  conventionalities  of  society, 
I  am  independent  of  all.'  You  are  not  independ- 
ent— you  are  responsible  to  those  around  you  for 
help.  This  web  of  mutual  responsibility  is  wove 
around  all  the  human  family,  and  if  you  will  not 
regard  it,  if  you  seek  to  break  through  it,  a  heavy 
penalty  will  be  inflicted  upon  you,  and  it  is  just 
that  you  should  receive  it. 

''This  leads  me  to  speak  of  Civil  Government. 
There  is  not  a  Tribe,  a  State,  or  a  people  on  the 
globe,  known  to  exist  without  a  form  of  govern- 
ment, ruder  or  more  perfect.  I  apprehend  that  I 
do  not  mistake  when  I  say  that  there  never  did 
exist  a  tribe  or  a  people  without  some  form  of 
government.  If  it  be  said  that  this  is  the  result  of 
man's  ignorance,  I  am  prepared  to  show  that  the 
very  contrary  is  the  fact ;  that  just  in  proportion 
as  men  grow  wiser,  the  more  government  they 
have.  And  there  are  no  communities  that  are  so 
completely  bound  and  wound  round,  and  round, 
and  round  with  the  meshes  of  civil  government  as 
those  which  are  at  this  time  considered  the  most 


38  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

learned  and  enlightened  on  the  globe.  This  is  the 
experience  of  6000  years,  that  man  cannot  live 
wisely  and  well  without  some  system  of  govern- 
ment, and  that  for  their  full  development  and  for 
their  rising  up  in  the  scale  of  progress  it  is  neces- 
sary that  they  should  be  under  a  just  and  healthy 
accountability.  Nay,  I  go  farther  ;  after  the  law 
has  gone  as  far  as  it  is  possible  for  it  to  go,  it  can- 
not go  as  far  as  men  feel  there  is  a  need  of  go- 
ing, and,  therefore,  whenever  under  the  civil  and 
social  laws  of  the  community,  men  confederate  for 
purposes  of  any  kind  whatever,  new  compacts  are 
formed.  They  always  build  these  upon  some  con- 
stitution ;  rules  or  regulations  having  their  ex- 
pressed or  implied  penalties.  You  cannot  find 
that  company  of  men  independent  of  all  these  ob- 
ligations which  society  is  under  and  which  every 
individual  in  society  is  under  to  all  around  him. 

"  We  are  not  yet  done  unraveling  this  web  which 
is  wove  around  men  until  we  see  this  principle  is 
carried  in  society.  Men  are  accountable  for  their 
feeliiigs  and  their  opinions  as  well  as  their  conduct. 

"  It  may  seem  strange  to  say  that  men  are  held 
accountable  for  their  opinions  ;  but  they  are,  and 
will  be  forever — and  that,  too,  in  the  freest  land, 
and  under  the  most  liberal  government.  For  in- 
stance, let  any  prominent   man   in   either  of  the 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


39 


great  political  parties  of  this  country  stand  up  and 
affirm  his  repugnance  to  any  one  of  the  great 
principles  of  his  party.  Let  it  be  understood  that 
he  is  advocating  and  disseminating  principles  and 
opinions  which  are  abhorrent  to  that  party,  and 
what  will  be  the  result  ?  They  cannot  imprison 
him  ;  they  cannot  lay  hold  on  hjm  and  load  him 
with  chains,  and  thrust  him  into  the  dark  dungeon 
of  the  criminal,  but  they  can  ostracise  him ;  and 
now  let  him,  regardless  of  his  own  private  inter- 
ests, and  anxious  only  to  serve  his  country,  by 
representing  his  fellow-citizens  in  her  legislative 
halls,  attempt  to  run  for  any  office,  and  there  will 
be  those  letters  called  votes,  which  will  silently 
but  surely  spell  out  his  condemnation,  and  he  will 
be  allowed  the  privilege  of  remaining  at  home, 
freed  from  the  cares  and  toils  of  office. 

' '  Men  are  not  only  held  accountable  for  their  opin- 
ions and  feelings  by  the  Church,  but  by  the  Popu- 
lar Sentiment  also.  To  be  sure,  there  are  many 
feelings  and  sentiments  condemned  by  the  Church 
that  the  general  community  does  not  reprobate  ; 
but  the  general  community  requires  from  its  mem- 
bers a  respect  for  all  the  fundamental  principles  of 
honesty  and  justice,  and  he  who  is  guilty  of  any 
transgression  of  them  is  instantly  girdled  by  the 
scorn  of  the  community  in  which  he  resides. 


40  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

u  Let  a  man  dwell  in  your  household — let  it  be 
known  to  you  that  he  revolves  base  and  dishonora- 
ble purposes  in  his  mind  that  will  never  take  the 
form  of  outward  development  and  actions,  and  you 
will  immediately  take  measures  to  remove  him 
from  your  family,  that  they  may  not  be  exposed  to 
the  possibility  of  .contamination  by  coming  in  con- 
tact with  his  baleful  mind.  And  so  in  the  general 
community.  Suppose  the  case  of  a  young  man  in 
indigent  circumstances,  who  comes  to  your  city  to 
build  up  his  fortune — to  gain  a  profession.  His 
father  and  his  mother  make  every  sacrifice  to  as- 
sist him  ;  they  toil  in  poverty  that  they  may  secure 
his  success — that  they  may  give  him  an  education 
— and  it  is  said  that  he  has  literally  consumed  them 
to  profit  himself,  and  at  last,  with  joy  in  their 
hearts  and  tears  in  their  eyes,  they  hear  of  his  tri- 
umph in  this  metropolis ;  with  fond  anticipations 
of  the  grateful  reception  which  they  will  receive  at 
his  hands,  they  come  to  visit  him  in  his  splendid 
mansion.  But,  when  he  hears  of  their  coming,  in- 
stead of  rushing  to  meet  them  with  open  arms  and 
a  heart  overflowing  with  filial  love  and  gratitude, 
and  escorting  them  to  his  own  home  and  introduc- 
ing them  to  his  family  and  friends  as  the  author  of 
his  being,  and  those  to  whom,  under  God,  he  is  in- 
debted for  the  position  and  prosperity  he  now  en- 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  4I 

joys,  he  goes  out  alone  to  meet  them,  and  conducts 
them  to  some  secret  place  where  his  fashionable 
friends  will  not  see  them,  and  where  he  visits  them 
furtively ;  for  he  is  ashamed  of  his  father  and 
mother — not  on  account  of  their  minds,  but  on  ac- 
count of  their  rude  dress  and  manners.  Now  let 
this  fact  be  known  in  the  circles  in  which  he  moves 
— let  him  visit  at  your  house  ;  with  what  face  will 
you  receive  him  ?  You  will  manifest  an  irrepressi- 
ble indignation  at  such  base  and  inhuman  conduct, 
and  why  ?  He  has  not  broken  any  law  ?  No ; 
but  you  say  that  you  have  detected  in  him  feelings 
unworthy  of  a  man,  and  he  very  soon  perceives 
that  his  want  of  feeling  is  reprobated,  and  in  future 
he  is  careful  to  guard  against  any  public  exhibition 
of  his  unnatural  disposition,  although  at  heart  he 
is  the  same  inhuman  monster  as  before.  The  con- 
sequence of  all  this  is,  that  men  veil  their  corrupt 
inclinations  under  the  garb  of  seeming  virtue  ;  and 
thus  all  bad  men  are  compelled,  by  the  force  of 
popular  opinion,  to  become  hypocrites.  Men  are 
very  fond  of  talking  about  the  hypocrisy  of  the 
Church.  God  knows  there  is  enough  of  it  there  ; 
but  when  compared  with  the  hypocrisy  out  of  the 
Church,  it  sinks  into  nothingness. 

11  The  last  step  we  shall  take  is  in  respect  to  that 
class  of  men  in  our  nation  which  have  gone  steadily 


42 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


down  from  one  step  to  another,  till  they  can  be  no 
longer  tolerated  in  the  community.  They  have 
gone  down  regularly  from  point  to  point,  their 
specific  gravity  has  sunk  them  down  and  down  in- 
to the  abyss  of  crime,  until  they  are  appropriately 
called  OUTLAWS.  Now  at  last  we  have  got  at  a  class 
of  men  who  will  have  nothing  to  do  with  this  ac- 
countability. It  was  because  they  hated  restraint 
that  they  went  down.  They  loved  progression, 
and  they  went  down  and  down  and  down  till  they 
could  get  at  a  wider  circle,  where  they  might  act 
out  the  innate  depravity  of  their  natures  without 
any  restraint  from  their  fellow-men,  and  indeed  it 
would  seem  that — now  they  have  got  beyond  the 
last  bond  of  society — they  will  be  freed  from  this 
principle  of  accountability.  But,  ah  !  how  mis- 
taken. There  are  laws  among  thieves,  and  in  the 
vilest  bandit's  den  that  ever  darkened  the  moun- 
tain-side, and  on  the  bloodiest  deck  of  the  pirate's 
ship  there  are  masters  and  a  rule  more  iron  than 
the  peaceful  denizens  of  a  Christian  community  can 
conceive  of.  So  that  when  men  by  reason  of  their 
hatred  of  restraint  have  thrown  themselves  wholly 
out  of  society,  they  have  found  that  they  could  not 
get  rid  of  their  own  nature  so  easily  as  they  could 
of  human  laws.  They  must  be  governed  by  these 
or  by  themselves. 


PL  YMO  UTH  CHURCH. 


43 


"  I  have  attempted  simply  to  prove  by  reference 
to  facts  such  as  would  be  allowed  in  any  scientific 
argument  that  the  law  of  accountability  to  God  is 
carried  out  in  all  the  relations  of  life.  We  have 
seen  that  it  is  carried  into  every  sphere  of  human 
action,  and  hence  it  is  unnecessary  that  we  should 
declare,  as  we  do  declare,  that  the  law  of  account- 
ability to  God  is  the  universal  law  of  the  Universe, 
and  that  it  is  just  as  universal  as  breath  is. 

"We  now  come  back  to  the  Bible  and  ask  our- 
selves, what  does  that  teach  ?  It  professes  to  be 
the  exposition  of  man's  character,  and  the  revelator 
of  God's  principles  of  government,  as  they  relate 
to  man.  And  now  it  is  not  necessary  to  take  text 
after  text  and  chip  and  chip  them  to  make  them 
fit  each  other ;  it  is  not  necessary  to  put  one  text 
after  another  to  torture  in  order  to  prove  that  man 
is  accountable  to  God.  We  find  that  if  there  never 
had  been  a  word  spoken  in  the  Bible  in  relation  to 
this  subject  we  could  draw  up  this  doctrine  just  as 
plainly  from  the  facts  as  we  now  can.  The  Bible 
simply  declares  of  that  which  existed  before ;  it 
was  not  the  promulgation  of  an  arbitrary  law,  it 
was  simply  the  declaration  of  the  existence  of  that 
which  God  made  when  He  made  all  things.  And 
indeed  it  may  be  said  that  if  the  Bible,  proposing 
to  be  a  revelation  of  the  laws  of  God  to  man,  had 


44  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

omitted  this  doctrine,  it  would  have  cast  a  doubt,  a 
shade,  upon  the  sacred  Word  itself.  What  would 
you  think  of  a  Bible  that  forgot  to  say  that  there 
is  a  God  ?  and  what  would  be  said  of  a  Bible  that 
should  attempt  to  teach  the  relations  of  God,  and 
of  man  to  God,  and  should  leave  out  the  doctrine 
of  man's  accountability  to  God. 

"  I  am  now  prepared,  in  the  light  of  this  subject, 
to  discuss  one  or  two  points  that  are  relevant.  The 
first  is  the  objection  that  is  made  by  a  certain  class 
of  reasoners.  It  is  said  if  there  be  established  such 
a  law  throughout  society,  it  goes  against  your  posi- 
tion— men  will  be  punished  here  and  not  hereafter. 
We  say,  Thank  you.  If  men  are  punished  here, 
it  does  not  follow  that  they  will  not  be  punished  in 
the  life  to  come.  This  is  a  question  of  fact.  I  ad- 
mit that  there  are  punishments  in  every  department 
of  the  world.  God  has  fixed  natural  and  consti- 
tutional punishment  as  guards  against  the  infrac- 
tion of  natural  and  constitutional  laws.  They  are 
not  avenging  punishments,  however,  but  precau- 
tionary. If  there  is  a  precipice  over  which  men 
will  be  likely  to  fall,  the  authorities  place  a  bridge 
over  it,  not  to  punish  but  to  prevent  accident.  If  a 
man  draws  near  to  a  poisonous  substance,  an  odor 
will  meet  him  offensive  to  his  sense,  but  it  is  that 
he  may  avoid  the  threatened  danger.     All  these 


Plymouth  church.  45 

evils  are  precautionary.  And  so  throughout  Nat- 
ure ;  but  it  is  not  necessary,  indeed  it  will  not  be 
possible  here  to  specify  all  these  precautions  and 
warnings  which  God  has  planted  so  thickly  through- 
out all  His  creation. 

"  Now  if  men  are  punished  in  this  world  for  their 
sins,  it  can  be  shown  that  their  punishment  is 
graduated  in  proportion  to  the  magnitude  of  their 
crimes.  The  fact,  however,  is  not  so,  but  con- 
trariwise ;  it  is  established  that  men  never  suffer 
so  much  as  when  they  are  the  youngest  and  the 
newest  in  sin.  When  a  man  first  begins  to  steal,  he 
has  more  fear  and  more  shame  than  when  he  has  be- 
come an  inveterate  offender.  I  remember  the  time 
when  I  swore  the  first  oath.  It  seemed  as  though 
every  leaf  on  the  trees  and  every  blade  of  grass 
were  vocal  in  their  condemnation  of  my  sin.  The 
very  sky  seemed  to  lower  upon  me,  and  all  Nature 
raised  the  note  of  reproof.  But  in  after  days,  un- 
der the  demoralizing  influence  of  bad  company,  I" 
became  able  to  use  profane  language  without  a 
blush — without  the  least  remorse  of  conscience ; 
and  finally,  without  being  conscious  of  the  language 
I  employed. 

• "  How  is  it,  when  a  man  in  an  affray  first  draws 
the  blood  of  his  fellow-creature,  his  hand  draws 
back,  as  if  it  were  scalding  hot,  and  dreams  terrify 


46  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

him,  and  he  is  haunted  for  months  by  the  bleeding 
victim  of  his  rage.  But  let  him  go  from  fray  to 
fray,  and  by  and  by  butchery  will  become  a  mere 
excitement.  In  the  lower  parts  of  our  own  coun- 
try, so  much  is  this  the  case,  that  a  fray  is  sought 
as  a  cup  is  sought — merely  as  a  pleasant  excite- 
ment wherewith  to  while  away  the  time.  It  needs 
no  argument  to  prove  that  in  proportion  as  men  go 
down  in  this  world,  just  in  that  proportion  they 
lose  their  sensibility — till  at  last  it  becomes  seared 
as  with  a  red-hot  iron ;  and  this  being  the  case, 
what  becomes  of  the  doctrine  of  punishment  in  this 
life  ?  Just  in  proportion  as  their  crimes  increase, 
their  punishment  decreases ;  the  farther  they  get 
from  rectitude  the  lighter  are  their  sufferings.  Ac- 
cording to  this  doctrine  a  man  should  go  the  whole 
figure  and  commit  crimes  wholesale.  They  that 
nibble  at  transgression  are  the  greater  fools,  and 
they  that  go  deep  into  crime  are  the  wise.  This 
is  a  dreadful  but  still  a  true  doctrine.  This  subject 
also  affords  some  light  to  that  popular  and  mis- 
chievous maxim  that  it  makes  no  difference  what 
a  man  believes  if  he  is  only  sincere.  Where  can 
we  find  any  such  law  as  that  except  in  the  code  of 
the  reasoners  ?  Does  it  make  no  difference  in  the 
laws  of  Nature  ?  Suppose  a  man  jumps  from  the 
top  of  a  high  building  upon  the  pavement,  and  says 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


47 


— I  believe  those  flagstones  are  as  soft  as  downy 
pillows, — does  Nature  any  the  less  dash  him  in 
pieces  ?  Suppose  a  man  should  attempt  to  pro- 
duce pleasure  in  himself  by  taking  poisonous  sub- 
stances, or  suppose  he  should  breathe  as  well  un- 
der water  as  in  the  air  of  heaven,  and  should 
plunge  beneath  the  waves  of  the  deep,  what  would 
Nature  care  for  his  sincerity  ?  Try  this  principle 
under  the  civil  law.  Is  it  no  matter  what  a  man 
believes  under  the  civil  laws  ?  Will  he  be  excused 
the  commission  of  crime  if  he  only  says  he  is  sin- 
cere ?  Can  you  find  a  judge  who  will  charge  a 
jury  thus,  or  a  lawyer  who  will  urge  such  a  plea  in 
defence  of  a  client,  when  it  has  been  a  maxim  from 
time  immemorial  that  ignorance  of  the  law  excuses 
no  man  ?  Try  the  same  principle  in  mercantile  life. 
Let  a  man  under  your  employment  be  sent  to  a 
distant  point  to  transact  some  important  business. 
He  makes  a  blunder  and  loses  hundreds  of  dollars, 
and  his  excuse  for  it  is  his  sincerity  ;  the  blunder 
is  repeated,  and  he  loses  thousands  ;  and  when  you 
reprove  him  for  his  carelessness,  his  only  excuse 
is,  '  I  was  sincere  in  believing  that  I  was  acting  in  a 
manner  which  wrould  best  promote  your  interests.' 
You  would  reply,  '  Your  sincerity  is  none  the  less 
ruinous  and  I  must  discharge  you.' 

"  Try  the  same  principle  in  respect  to  your  own 


48 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


feelings.  Suppose  a  man  should  say  you  are  a 
knave ;  and  upon  your  asking  for  an  explanation 
he  should  say,  '  I  admit  that  I  said  so,  but  I  now 
acknowledge  that  I  did  wrong ;  I  was  in  a  passion 
at  the  time,  and  said  it  in  haste.  I  am  sorry  for 
what  I  have  done,  and  I  ask  your  forgiveness.' 
This  would  be  a  balm  for  your  wounded  feelings, 
and  you  would  freely  forgive  him.  But  suppose 
that,  instead  of  this,  he  should  say,  ■  I  did  call  you 
a  knave,  and  I  believed  it,  and  I  believe  it  now.' 
This  would  be  the  most  venomous  part  of  it.  You 
would  say,  *  It  is  not  enough  that  you  be  sincere  ; 
— you  must  substantiate  your  belief  by  proof.  I 
will  have  recourse  to  the  law.'  And  if  you  hold  to 
the  principle  of  saying  what  you  think  is  true,  re- 
gardless of  the  feelings  and  character  of  others,  you 
shall  bear  the  penalty  of  it. 

"  Now  here  is  a  principle  that  is  false  in  every 
department  of  life,  till  you  come  into  morals — and 
that  principle  which  business  would  not  for  a  mo- 
ment support,  is  applied  and  insisted  upon  in  ar- 
guing moral  and  religious  questions.  It  does 
make  a  difference  what  we  believe.  God  will  hold 
us  accountable  for  our  belief  just  as  true  as  He  will 
hold  us  accountable  for  our  actions. 

"The  only  inference  I  will  attend  to  is  this: 
that  God  will  hold  men  accountable  for  their  opin- 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  49 

ions  under  the  Gospel  and  for  what  they  know. 
Then  it  may  be  said  it  will  be  best  for  them  not  to 
know  too  much.  But  He  will  hold  them  accounta- 
ble for  what  they  do  not  know  that  they  should 
know. 

"  For  example  :  a  miserly  and  selfish  guardian  of 
a  defenceless  orphan  appropriates  to  himself  the 
whole  estate  of  his  ward,  and  upon  the  fact  being 
known,  a  suit  is  brought  by  the  friends  of  the  or- 
phan to  recover  the  property.  It  is  found  to  be  a 
clear  case  of  fraud,  and  the  estate  can  be  easily  re- 
gained. The  whole  community  is  aroused,  and  all 
their  sympathies  are  with  the  aggrieved  orphan. 
At  length  the  trial  comes  on — the  jury  is  impan- 
elled and  the  case  opened.  And  while  the  evi- 
dence is  going  on,  one  juryman  is  reading  a  news- 
paper, another  is  talking  to  a  friend,  and  several 
are  asleep,  as  if  they  were  in  church.  When  they 
go  out,  they  remember  nothing  about  the  merits  of 
the  case.  They  put  one  thing  and  another  to- 
gether, and  come  out  and  give  a  verdict,  not  in  fa- 
vor of  the  injured  plaintiff,  but  in  favor  of  the  de- 
fendant. 

"Now  what  will  the  people  say  to  these  jury- 
men ?  One  of  them  sometime  after  this  occurrence 
is  a  humble  seeker  to  serve  the  people  by  going  to 

Congress.     He  is  remembered,  and  it  will  be  said, 
3 


5o 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


this  is  one  of  the  men  that  served  that  infamous 
course  on  that  jury.  And  he  says,  in  extenuation 
of  his  conduct,  '  It  was  my  desire  to  render  a  verdict 
in  accordance  with  the  evidence,  but  /  did  not 
know  what  it  was  /  '  '  Did  not  know  what  it  was  ! ' 
some  sturdy  old  farmer  would  say  to  him  ;  l  what 
were  you  put  there  for,  if  it  were  not  for  the  express 
purpose  of  hearing  the  evidence,  and  rendering  a 
just  verdict  ?  Your  excuse  only  stamps  you  with 
a  deeper  disgrace  than  your  false  verdict  had  al- 
ready done,  and  is  proof  positive  of  your  unfitness 
to  fill  any  station  requiring  common  watchfulness 
and  honesty.' 

"  Now  God  has  given  the  light  of  Jesus  Christ. 
God  has  stopped  the  career  of  His  whole  govern- 
ment and  interposed  a  new  system.  God  has  rent 
the  heavens  in  twain  that  he  might  bring  the  truth 
to  light  and  life  and  immortality.  Star  after  star 
in  bright  constellations  have  beamed  out  and 
Jesus  Christ  has  brought  truth  to  light.  Truth 
preached,  truth  sent  through  the  Bible,  and 
through  a  living  ministry  to  the  whole  people. 
And  now,  if  any  one  seeks  to  evade  it  and  avoid 
it,  God  will  hold  every  such  guilty  man  account- 
able' for  his  ignorance.  The  truth  is  here,  and 
it  is  your  greatest  interest  to  know  it,  and  you 
are  ignorant  of  it  at  your  peril. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


51 


M  Finally,  if  this  doctrine  is  true,  what  will  be 
the  account  that  we  have  to  give  to  God  ? 

"  I  remark  that  you  will  have  to  give  an  account 
before  God,  in  respect  to  your  relations  to  your- 
self, to  each  other,  and  to  God. 

"  Let  us  see  how  many  points  there  are  under 
each  of  these  heads  : 

"  First,  the  duties  which  refer  more  particularly 
to  ourselves. 

"  Each  of  you  will  have  to  give  an  account  to  God 
for  your  time — for  every  hour,  for  every  moment. 
You  will  have  to  give  an  account  to  God  for  every 
power  of  mind — for  the  use  of  every  one,  for  the 
culture  of  every  one  ;  for  every  power  of  thought 
and  imagination ;  for  all  your  religious  and  social 
faculties.  He  will  call  you  to  account  for  all 
your  passions  and  motives — for  all  your  conduct. 
My  friend,  you  may  well  feel  some  terrors  when 
you  reflect  that  all  that  conduct  of  which  you  were 
so  ashamed,  will  be  revealed  by  the  Almighty  in 
the  dread  Day  of  Judgment,  and  you  will  be  com- 
pelled to  look  on  it,  and  your  neighbor  will  look 
on  it,  and  all  the  assembled  hosts  of  heaven  and 
hell  shall  look  upon  it,  and  upon  you,  as  the  author 
of  it.  And  to  those  who  do  not  now  feel  any 
terrors,  I  would  say,  that  there  is  a  day  of  terror 
coming  when  God  will  call  you  to  account  for  all 


52 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


the  Divine  efforts  made  in  your  behalf — for  all  the 
special  Providences  that  have  been  sent  to  your 
door — for  all  the  personal  influences  that  have  ever 
been  brought  to  bear  upon  you  in  the  sanctuary  or 
out  of  the  sanctuary. 

"  Secondly  :  God  will  call  you  to  account  for  all 
the  duties  which  you  owe  to  others — for  the  dis- 
charge of  your  public  duties  as  citizens. 

"  Are  you  an  officer  ?  God  will  hold  you  to  a 
strict  account  for  the  manner  in  which  the  duties 
of  that  office  are  discharged.  I  am  afraid,  my 
friends,  from  the  signs  of  the  times  that  this  doc- 
trine is  not  much  preached  or  understood  ;  namely, 
that  God  will  hold  those  in  place  to  a  higher  ac- 
count than  those  beneath  them.  God  will  call  you 
to  account  for  the  manner  in  which  in  this  life  you 
discharge  your  duties  to  your  family,  your  neigh- 
borhood, your  town,  your  state,  and  your  whole 
land.  An  inert  citizen,  an  unpatriotic  man,  will 
have  something  to  answer  for  at  the  bar  of  God. 
Every  time  you  have  voted  those  lots  which  were 
right  and  just,  God  has  noted  them  down,  though 
men  have  not.  And  you  will  be  called  to  account 
for  all  the  opportunities  to  do  good  that  you  have 
neglected  to  improve.  If  there  is  a  young  man 
in  this  world  that  might  have  been  held  back  from 
intemperance  by  you,  and  you  did  not  do  it,  God 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  53 

will  hold  you  accountable  for  it.  It  is  not  a  safe 
thing  for  a  man  to  neglect  to  do  good  in  this 
world. 

"  For  all  of  the  influences  you  have  exerted  in- 
tentionally or  unintentionally  God  will  call  you  to 
account.  There  are  many  men  who  study  to  exert 
a  malign  influence  upon  their  fellows.  Well,  let 
them  do  it.  They  wag  their  empty  heads,  and 
swing  themselves  down  through  the  streets  inde- 
pendent and  free  to  do  what  they  choose.  '  The 
world  owes  me  a  living,'  say  they,  '  and  I  will 
have  it.  I  care  for  no  man.  I  care  for  no  law, 
for  no  public  opinion.'  God  has  His  eye  upon 
them.  No  archer  ever  drew  a  surer  bow  upon  his 
devoted  game,  than  God  has  done  upon  these  men, 
and  His  avenging  bolt  will  fall  with  tenfold  terror 
on  their  heads  when  they  shall  find  the  grave 
yawning  to  receive  them,  and  fearful  will  be  their 
fate  when  the  black  billows  of  death  shall  sweep 
them  resistless  to  their  inexorable  doom. 

"Ina  less  degree  it  is  no  less  true  that  a  man's 
unintentional  offences  will  have  to  be  accounted 
for.  Is  there  a  man  in  this  congregation  who  has 
children  that  he  loves  ?  Have  they  ever  heard  the 
voice  of  prayer  raised  in  grateful  acknowledg- 
ment from  before  the  family  altar,  to  the  Dispenser 
of  all  good  ?     That   dear  and  beloved   daughter, 


54 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


that  son  growing  up  now  into  man's  estate, — has 
not  the  whole  of  your  conduct  been  such  as  to 
practically  teach  them  that  there  is  no  God  ?  You 
may  have  told  them  of  God  in  a  casual  manner 
the  same  as  you  have  of  Alexander  ;  and  you  may 
have  in  a  formal,  lifeless  manner,  informed  them  that 
it  is  their  duty  to  obey  God,  and  to  love  and  serve 
Him.  But  your  life — your  whole  warm,  sponta- 
neous life — has  ever  preached  a  doctrine  exactly 
the  reverse  ;  and  which  do  you  suppose  a  child 
will  believe  first,  a  father's  talk  or  a  father's  life  ? 
Most  unquestionably  the  latter  ;  and  if  that  has 
told  your  children  that  all  that  God  requires  from 
his  children  is  lip-service,  and  they  grow  up  with- 
out ever  coming  to  a  knowledge  of  God's  saving 
mercy,  and  their  souls  are  finally  lost,  God  will 
hold  them  accountable  in  their  measure,  but  you 
will  be  held  accountable  also,  as  accessory  to  their 
guilt,  and  fearful  will  be  the  dread  account  which 
you  will  have  to  meet. 

11  Lastly  :  for  all  our  duties  toward  God,  we  shall 
be  brought  to  a  strict  account. 

"  For  the  way  in  which  we  have  treated  the  over- 
tures of  mercy  made  us  through  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  for  the  hardening  of  our  hearts  against  the 
persuasive  influences  and  efforts  of  our  blessed 
Redeemer  for  our  salvation,   God  will  call  us  to 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  55 

account.  Is  there  a  man  in  this  congregation  who 
will  say,  I  say  I  do  not  believe  God  will  punish  me 
for  all  through  eternity  for  my  little  sins  ?  Give 
me  your  hand  on  that.  You  have  so  many  great 
sins  that  God  will  have  enough  to  do  to  punish 
you  for  them  alone,  without  taking  into  the  ac- 
count what  you  are  pleased  to  style  your  little 
sins.  For  defiling  your  whole  nature,  for  the 
prostitution  of  your  powers,  for  turning  yourselves 
who  were  the  sons  of  God  into  base  materials  of 
the  flesh,  for  this  destruction  of  yourselves  God 
will  call  you  to  a  strict  account.  And  can  you  meet 
that  account  ?  Dare  any  man  say  I  am  ready  to 
make  the  venture  ? 

"  There  are  some  men  who  will  not  go  to  heaven, 
because  they  are  so  very  moral ;  they  wish  to  go 
with  the  understanding  that  they  are  entitled  to 
the  favor  or  else  not  at  all.  They  do  not  feel 
willing  to  accept  heaven  as  a  boon  granted  by  the 
infinite  love  of  a  merciful  God,  but  they  desire  to 
merit  it  through  their  own  good  works.  They 
will  not  go  up  to  heaven's  gate  and  plead  the  aton- 
ing blood  of  the  blessed  Lamb  of  God,  as  their 
passport  into  the  Heavenly  Land — the  home  of 
the  redeemed,  but  they  offer  in  exchange  for  the 
delights  and  pleasures  of  eternity,  the  meagre  cat- 
alogue of  their  own  actions  here  on  earth.     Is  it 


56  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

strange  their  offer  is  not  accepted  ?  As  for  myself, 
I  know  what  I  will  do  when  God  calls  my  soul  to 
judgment.  I  know  when  I  shall  look  back  upon 
my  life  it  will  be  folly  to  attempt  to  justify  any- 
thing that  I  have  ever  done.  I  will  turn  to  Christ 
and  say,  Thou  hast  promised  to  save  me  if  I 
would  trust  in  Thee,  and  I  have  trusted  in  Thee, 
and  now  I  claim  the  fulfilment  of  Thy  promise, 
oh,  Lord  !  Here  I  am,  and  my  only  hope  is  in 
Thee.  And  then  Christ  will  throw  around  about 
me  the  shield  of  His  righteousness,  not  because  I 
am  not  a  sinner,  but  because  I  am  a  sinner,  loved 
and  shielded  of  Christ.  But  you  refuse  to  take 
this  Christ  at  His  word,  you  reject  His  promise, 
and  therefore  He  will  reject  you. 

"  My  friends,  I  am  speaking  to  some  of  you  for 
the  last  time.  You  and  I  will  meet  again  on  the 
Judgment  Day,  and  I  am  now  telling  you  how 
much  you  stand  in  need  of  a  Saviour,  of  that 
Saviour  whom  my  soul  has  felt,  and  whom  my 
soul  loves.  I  offer  him  to  you,  and  I  will  do  it 
with  all  that  sincerity,  and  all  that  earnestness, 
with  which  I  shall  wish  I  had  when  I  meet  you  at 
the  bar  of  God.  Oh,  my  friends,  will  you  not 
begin  now  to  be  wise  before  the  saving  influences 
of  God's  Holy  Spirit  are  withdrawn  from  your 
*  hearts,  and   these  things   are   hidden   from   your 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  57 

sight  forever.  Death  is  coming,  and  after  that  the 
judgment,  and  after  that  eternity.  My  fathers, 
you  who  have  experienced  the  benefits  of  God's 
mercy  for  many  years,  where  will  you  be  on  that 
day?  Were  God  to  call  you  hence  this  night, 
what  would  be  your  chances  for  heaven?  My 
dear  friends,  what  would  be  your  chances  of 
heaven,  were  you  called  hence  to-night  ?  Jesus 
Christ  is  ready  to  take  all  who  desire  salvation, 
and  I  preach  Him  once  for  all,  Christ,  the  sinner's 
friend  and  your  friend." 

The  two  discourses  of  this  day  produced  such 
an  effect  upon  his  hearers  that  they  determined,  if 
possible,  to  secure  the  eloquent  stranger  as  their 
pastor. 

At  the  close  of  the  morning  services,  the  estab- 
lishment of  a  continued  series  of  weekly  prayer- 
meetings,  commencing  on  the  succeeding  Friday 
evening,  had  been  publicly  announced,  which  were 
to  be  held  in  the  lecture-room  (then  fronting  on 
Orange  street).  On  the  appointed  evening,  the 
meeting  was  attended  by  about  thirty  individuals, 
nearly  all  of  whom  were  desirous  of  joining  the 
church  at  its  organization.  The  services  were  con- 
ducted by  Jira  Payne,  and  at  the  close  of  the 
meeting,  a  business  meeting  was  convened ;  and 


58  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

*"on  motion  of  David  Hale,  from  New  York, 
John  T.  Howard,  Henry  C.  Bowen,  Richard  Hale, 
Charles  Rowland,  and  Jira  Payne,  were  appointed 
a  Committee  to  make  arrangements  for  the  forma- 
tion of  a  church  ;  to  prepare  and  report  Articles 
of  Faith  and  a  Covenant,  a  Form  of  Admission, 
Ecclesiastical  Principles  and  Rules,  Manual  for 
business,  etc.  Also  to  give  notice,  the  following 
Sabbath,  to  all  persons  who  desired  to  be  con- 
nected with  the  church  at  its  organization,  to  be 
present  at  the  next  Friday  evening  prayer-meet- 
ing." 

"At  the  two  subsequent  prayer-meetings,"  con- 
tinues the  Manual,  <(  twenty-one  persons  handed 
in  their  names  to  be  organized  into  a  church.  On 
Friday  evening,  June  eleventh,  the  Committee  ap- 
pointed to  prepare  Articles  of  Faith,  etc.,  made 
their  report,  which,  after  some  amendments,  was 
adopted,  and  notice  given  that  the  Church  would 
be  organized  on  the  following  Sabbath  evening. 

"  A  council  of  ministers  and  delegates  from  other 
churches  convened  at  the  house  of  John  T.  How- 
ard, on  Saturday  evening,  the  12th  day  of  June, 
by  invitation  of  the  Committee,  who  presented  to 
said  Council  the  Articles  of  Faith  and  Covenant 

*  Plymouth  Manual. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  59 

adopted,  also  the  credentials  of  those  persons  who 
expected  to  be  organized  into  a  Church." 

The  Council  consisted  of — 

Rev.  Richard  S.  Storrs,  Jr.,  Pastor. 
Chandler  Starr,  Delegate. 

From  the  Church  of  the  Pilgrims. 
Rev.  I.  N.  SPRAGUE,  Pastor. 
A.  B.  Davenport,  Delegate. 

From  the  Second  Congregational  Church. 
Rev.  J.  P.  Thompson,  Pastor. 
David  Hale,  Delegate. 

From  the  Broadway  Tabernacle  Church, 
New  York. 
Rev.  D.  C.  Lansing,  D.D.,  Pastor. 
Seymour  Whiting,  Delegate. 

From  the  Christie  St.  Congregational 
Church,  New  York. 

The  Council  approved  the  actions  of  the  Com- 
mittee, and  accepted  an  invitation  to  participate 
in  the  public  services  of  the  organization,  on  the 
following  evening  (Sunday,  June  13),  when  the 
Church  was  duly  organized,  and  the  opening  ser- 
mon delivered  by  Rev.  R.  S.  Storrs,  Jr.  Several 
names  for  the  new  society  had  been  suggested — 
The  Cranberry  Street  Church,  the  WicklirT  Church, 
and  the  Plymouth  Church. 


60  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

A  Religious  Society,  in  conformity  with  N.  Y. 
State  Laws,  was  formed  on  Monday  evening,  June 
14th,  1847,  writh  a  membership  of  twenty-one; 
Henry  C.  Bowen,  John  T.  Howard,  and  Daniel 
Burgess  were  elected  Trustees,  to  serve,  each  in 
the  order  written,  for  the  term  of  one,  two,  and 
three  years  ;  and  the  corporate  name  of 

THE   PLYMOUTH   CHURCH 

was  adopted  by  the  society.     The  Certificate  of 
Incorporation  was  recorded  in  the  Clerk's  Office  of 
King's  County,  September  27th,  1847. 
The  names  of  the  original  members  were  : 


*  2. 

Bowen,  Henry  C. 

6.   Knight,  Rachel. 

3- 

Bowen,  Lucy  Maria. 

iS.  Morse,  John  F. 

17. 

Blake,  Eli  C. 

19.   Morse,  Rebecca. 

11. 

Burgess,  Benjamin. 

4.   Payne,  Jira. 

12. 

Burgess,  Mary. 

5.   Payne,  Eliza. 

20. 

Cannon,  Mary. 

13.   Rowland,  Charles. 

21. 

Griffin,  David. 

14.  Rowland,  Maria. 

7- 

Hale,  Richard. 

9.  Turner,  Alpheus  R. 

8. 

Hale,  Julia. 

10.   Turner,  Louisa. 

1. 

Howard,  John  T. 

15.  Webb,  John. 

16.  Webb 

,  Martha. 

On  the  evening  of  the  formal  organization  of  the 
society  an  unanimous  vote  had  been  cast,  electing 
Rev.  Henry  Ward  Beecher  to  the  vacant  pastorate, 

*  Figures  prefixed  denote  the  order  of  connection. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  fa 

and  a  Committee  had  been  appointed  to  present 
him  with  the  invitation  to  that  office.  After  two 
months'  deliberation — during  which  time  the  pulpit 
had  been  occupied  by  various  ministers,  generally 
from  New  England — Mr.  Beecher,  partly  influ- 
enced by  the  entreaties  of  William  T.  Cutter,  and 
partly  by  the  continued  ill-health  of  his  family 
while  resident  in  the  West,  almost  reluctantly — for 
as  he  said  "his  heart  was  with  the  West" — ac- 
cepted the  call  by  letter. 

"Indianapolis,  August  igt/i,  1847. 

"  Dear  Brothers  : — I  desire  to  convey  through 
you  to  the  Plymouth  Church  and  Congregation  my 
acceptance  of  the  call  to  the  pastoral  office  tendered 
by  them  to  me. 

"  I  cannot  regard  the  responsibilities  of  this  im- 
portant field  without  the  most  serious  diffidence, 
and  I  wholly  put  my  trust  in  that  Saviour  whom  I 
am  to  preach  in  your  midst.  I  can  heartily  adopt 
the  language  of  Paul,  *  Brethren,  pray  for  us,  that 
the  word  of  the  Lord  may  have  free  course  and  be 
glorified., 

"  It  will  be  necessary  for  me  to  remain  yet  for 
some  time  in  this  place ;  but  I  hope  to  arrive  in 


62  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

Brooklyn  in  the  middle  of  October,  or  at  the  far- 
thest, by  the  first  of  November. 

"  I  am  in  Christian  love, 

"  Most  Truly  Yours, 

"  H.  W.  Beecher. 
To    John    T.     Howard,   Henry  C.   Bowen, 
Charles  Rowland,  and  others." 

On  the  5th  of  September  (1847)  a  Sunday- 
school  was  commenced,  the  first  session  of  which 
was  attended  by  ten  teachers  and  twenty-eight 
scholars,  and  Henry  C.  Bowen  was  appointed  Su- 
perintendent, and  John  T.  Howard,  Secretary. 

Henry  Ward  Beecher  entered  upon  Pastoral  du- 
ties in  Plymouth  Church  on  Sunday  morning,  Oc- 
tober 10th,  1847. 

The  evening  services  were  fully  attended,  and  to 
the  astonishment  of  all,  and  dissatisfaction  of  some, 
he  laid  aside  the  doctrinal  theologies  of  the  morn- 
ing, in  favor  of  the  living  issues  of  the  times,  and 
boldly  and  clearly  denned  the  position*  he  had 
taken  and  intended  to  hold  in  reference  to  slavery, 
temperance,  war,  and  general  reform,  and  from  that 

*  This  was  not  the  first  time,  however,  for,  while  pastor  of  the  Sec- 
ond Presbyterian  Church,  Indianapolis,  Indiana,  he  had,  in  three 
distinct  and  powerful  sermons,  declared  slavery  an  institution  in  de- 
fiance to  the  laws  of  God,  and  an  outrage  upon  the  rights  of  man. 


1'ORTRAIT   OF    HENRY    WARD    BEECHER — 1S4; 
[From  Steel  Engraving  by  J    C.  Ijuttre.] 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  63 

day  there  have  been  few  vacant  seats  in  Plymouth 
Church. 

Public  installation  services  occurred  on  Thursday 
evening,  November  nth  (1847),  which  were  con- 
ducted as  follows : 

Invocation  and  Reading  of  the  Scriptures — by 
Rev.  Dr.  Heman  Humphrey,  of  Pittsfield,  Mass. 

Sermon — by  Rev.  Dr.  Edward  Beecher,  of  Bos- 
ton, Mass. 

Installing  Prayer — by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Nathaniel 
Hewit,  of  Bridgeport,  Conn. 

Charge  to  the  Pastor — by  Rev.  D.  C.  Lansing, 
of  New  York.  The  Fellowship  of  the  churches — 
by  Rev.  Richard  S.  Storrs,  Jr.,  of  Brooklyn. 

Address  to  the  people — by  Rev.  Joseph  P. 
Thompson,  of  New  York. 

Concluding  Prayer — by  Rev.  Dr.  Horace  Bush- 
nell,  of  Hartford,  Conn. 

Thus  was  Plymouth  Church  founded,*  and  thus 
began  a  ministry,  which,  by  earnest  and  continued 
inculcation  of  sound  common-sense  doctrine,  prom- 
ulgation of  tolerant  principles,  and  advancement 
of  liberal  views,  was  eventually  destined  to  par- 

*  During  the  same  year,  1847,  there  were  founded  nine  other 
churches,  namely :  Central,  East  Brooklyn,  and  Concord  Street 
(colored),  Baptist ;  Grace  Church,  Episcopalian ;  Union,  and  First 
Bethel  (colored),  Methodist ;  Central  and  Siloam  (colored),  Presby- 
terian ;  and  the  St.  John's,  German  Lutheran. 


64  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

tially  liberalize  the  tenets  of  the  entire  Christian 
World. 

On  the  first  day  of  June,  1848,  the  success  of  the 
new  enterprise  being  ensured,  and  its  organization 
being  complete,  the  property  was  duly  conveyed 
by  the  owners  to  the  society  of  Plymouth  Church 
for  its  actual  cost,  with  accrued  interest  to  date. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


6$ 


CHAPTER  THIRD. 

January,  1849,  to  January,  1850 — Erection  of  the  present  Plymouth 
Church — Its  cost  and  dimensions — Increase  of  the  Congregation 
— The  Pastor's  dangerous  illness. 


HE  orfginal  church  buildings  were  almost 
entirely  destroyed  by  fire  on  the  thirteenth 
of  January,  1849,  and  the  society  resolved 
to  rebuild  on  a  larger  scale,  and  with  a  front  on 
Orange  street  instead  of  Cranberry  street.  A 
committee  was  appointed  to  devise  the  necessary 
plans,  and  Mr.  Sherman  Day,  chairman  of  the 
committee,  drew  up  a  rough  design  which  received 
the  approbation  of  the  pastor.  The  projected 
building  was  to  be  105  feet  in  length,  80  feet  in 
width,  and  43  feet  in  hight  (floor  to  ceiling)  ; 
with  a  rear  addition,  two  stories  in  hight  and  50 
feet  by  80  feet ;  the  entire  structure  to  be  divided 
into  eleven  rooms,  namely  :  an  auditorium  with 
seats  for  2,050  persons  (exclusive  of  aisle  or  wall 
chairs),  j6  feet  by  92  feet ;  a  lecture-room  48  feet 
by  51  feet ;  a  Sabbath-school  room  24  feet  by  64 
feet ;  four  rooms  for  Bible  and  infant  classes,  each 
10  feet  by  16  feet ;  two  social  circle  parlors,  each 


66  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

24  feet  by  32  feet ;  a  reception  parlor  and  a  pas- 
tor's study,  each  14  feet  by  32  feet. 

Mr.  J.  C.  Wells,  an  English  church  architect, 
reduced  Mr.  Day's  plan  to  exact  proportions,  the 
society  adopted  it,  and  May  29  (1849)  was  the 
day  appointed  for  laying  the  corner-stone. 

In  description  of  this  interesting  ceremony, 
quotations  from  the  Brooklyn  Daily  Advertiser  of 
May  30  (1849)  are  cited  : 

"The  day  was  dark,  gloomy,  wet — anything 
but  propitious — causing  a  serious  disappointment 
to  many  who  had  anticipated  uniting  in  the  exer- 
cises of  the  occasion.  Notwithstanding  the  rain 
came  down  in  copious  quantities,  there  were  sev- 
eral hundred  persons  assembled,  and  the  services 
were  performed  in  a  highly  interesting  and  devout 
manner.  The  services  were  commenced  with  the 
reading  of  a  hymn  by  Rev.  J.  M.  Sprague,  and 
singing  by  the  choir  of  the  church  and  the  congre- 
gation assembled.  Rev.  Dr.  Cheever  followed  by 
reading  a  very  beautiful  and  appropriate  selection 
from  the  Scriptures.  Prayer — by  Rev.  J.  P. 
Thompson,  of  Broadway  Tabernacle.  A  very 
eloquent,  brief,  and  impressive  address  was  made 
by  Rev.  Mr.  Storrs,  of  Pilgrim  Church.  His  allu- 
sion to  the  origin  of  the  church,  the  struggles  of 
the  Pilgrim  fathers,  the   doctrines  and  principles 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  fy 

which  they  inculcated,  the  sacredness  and  noble- 
ness of  the  object  which  had  called  them  together, 
the  influence  which  this  church  must  exert  in  all 
departments  of  life,  the  great  civil  and  religious 
blessings  we  enjoy,  both  as  individuals  and  as  a 
nation,  were  themes  which  the  reverend  gentleman 
blended  into  a  highly  religious,  dignified,  and  in- 
teresting address. 

u  The  Rev.  J.  L.  Hodge  enumerated  a  list  of  the 
various  religious  and  secular  papers  enclosed  in 
the  box  intended  to  be  placed  beneath  the  initial 
pillar  of  the  foundation. 

"  The  Rev.  Dr.  Lansing  then  stated  that  he  had 
been  intrusted  by  the  committee  to  lay  the  corner- 
stone of  the  church.  The  reverend  doctor  remarked 
that  every  one  knew  the  excitability  of  his  temper- 
ament, and  how  generally  he  was  disposed  to  en- 
large and  amplify  on  occasions  like  the  present. 
He  said  he  had  therefore  reduced  his  address  to 
writing.  He  then  read  the  address,  which  was 
listened  to  with  great  attention. 

"  Rev.  Mr.  Thompson  followed  with  a  few  re- 
marks, alluding  to  the  much-regretted  absence  of 
the  Rev.  Dr.  Cox,  now  in  Boston,  who  was  ex- 
pected to  have  been  present  on  the  occasion. 

"The  services  were  concluded  with  singing  the 
doxology,  '  Praise  God,'  etc.,  by  the  audience,  in 


68  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

the  tune  of  Old  Hundred ;  and  a  benediction  by 
Rev.  Mr.  Sprague." 

The  builders  of  the  church  were  Solomon  Conk- 
lin,  mason  ;  Tappan  Reeve,  carpenter  ;  J.  C.  Wells, 
architect.  $31,489  was  subscribed  in  sums  vary- 
ing from  $2  to  $2,500  (total  number  of  subscrib- 
ers 324)  toward  the  cost  of  the  new  edifice,  and 
$31,127  was  collected  upon  seven  per  cent,  scrip, 
bearing  interest,  payable  in  pew-rents  only,  the 
principal  payable  from  the  surplus  revenue  of  the 
church.  The  lecture-room  and  Sabbath-school 
room  were  provided  for  by  donations  to  the 
amount  of  $10,800,  and  were  furnished  partly  by 
the  proceeds  realized  by  Sunday-school  festivals 
and  partly  by  the  pew-rent  income  of  the  Society. 
Their  cost  was  about  $13,000,  and  that  of  the 
church  about  $36,000. 

While  the  buildings  were  in  course  of  erection, 
the  Society  were  cordially  invited  by  many  of  the 
neighboring  Societies  to  use  their  respective  edi- 
fices for  worship,  and  for  about  two  months  these 
invitations  were  thankfully  accepted.  Their  even- 
ing services  were  regularly  held  in  the  Church  of 
the  Pilgrims.  In  March,  1849,  Mr.  Beecher  ex- 
perienced a  serious  attack  of  illness,  which  confined 
him  to  his  house  for  two  months,  and  incapacitated 
him  from  preaching  until  the  ensuing  September. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  £g 

In  the  meantime  a  Tabernacle,  ioo  feet  in 
length  and  80  feet  in  width,  had  been  erected  at 
an  expense  of  $2,800,  on  land  (munificently  ten- 
dered free  of  rent  by  Lewis  Tappan)  on  Pierre- 
pont  street,  and  the  churchless  congregation  occu- 
pied this  temporary  building  until  the  first  Sabbath 
in  January,  1850,  when  they  removed  to  their 
completed  church  on  Orange  street.  The  'Tab- 
ernacle was  sold  to  Mr.  A.  G.  Benson  for  $1,300, 
which  amount,  together  with  Sabbath  collections 
and  pew-rents,  fully  covered  its  cost  and  all  attend- 
ant expenses.  On  completion  of  the  church  build- 
ings, the  entire  property  was  mortgaged  for 
$16,000,  partly  to  pay  off  the  original  mortgage 
($10,500),  and  partly  to  liquidate  the  floating 
debt. 

The  opening  services  occurred  on  the  first  Sun- 
day in  January,  1850. 

The  present  system  of  renting  pews  annually  to 
the  highest  bidder  was  then  adopted,  and  thus  all 
members  and  regular  attendants  were  enabled  to 


*  It  may  be  interesting  to  state  that  the  pews  and  doors  used  in 
the  construction  of  this  Tabernacle  were  taken  out  of  the  old 
Church ;  that  the  entire  structure  was  shipped  to  California  on 
speculation,  in  1850,  and  there  recognized  by  Sherman  Day  (for- 
merly of  Plymouth  Church),  who  purchased  it  for  the  use  of  a 
church  in  San  Jose,  where  it  is  still  occupied  for  public  worship. — 
Manual  of  Plymouth  Church,  1867. 


JO  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

secure  seats  according  to  their  respective  means. 
The  pastor's  salary  was,  by  common  consent,  in- 
creased to  $3,500  per  annum.  He  had  originally 
been  engaged  on  a  salary  of  $1,500  (an  increase 
of  $700  over  his  stipend  when  in  Indianapolis)  for 
the  first  year,  $1,750  for  the  second  year,  and 
$2,000  for  the  third  year  and  succeeding  years  ; 
and  David  Hale  and  Henry  C.  Bowen  had  volun- 
tarily guaranteed  personally  the  payment  of  his 
salary  for  the  first  three  years.  In  two  years  and 
six  months  the  Congregational  Church,  with  only 
twenty-one  original  members,  whom  many  had 
prophesied  would  come  to  naught,  had  increased — 
notwithstanding  its  trial  by  fire,  its  subsequent 
migratory  life,  and  the  long-continued  ill-health  of 
its  pastor — to  a  membership  of  three  hundred  and 
forty-three,  sixteen  of  which  number,  however, 
had  been  lost  by  death  and  removals  thereby  leav- 
ing a  real  existing  membership  of  three  hundred 
and  twenty-seven. 

The  Beecher  of  1850  was  far  different  from  the 
Beecher  of  1872,  in  physique,  and,  as  he  was  still 
suffering  from  the  effects  of  his  late  illness,  a  leave 
of  absence  from  June  to  September  (1850)  was 
cheerfully  granted  to  enable  him  to  rest  from  his 
labors,  visit  Europe,  and,  if  possible,  recuperate  his 
delicate  health. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  jl 

The  size  of  the  new  church  was  at  first  thought, 
even  by  many  progressive  men  of  that  day,  en- 
tirely uncalled  for  either  by  the  times  or  circum- 
stances, and  the  moral  impossibility  of  it  ever  being 
filled  by  regular  attendants  was  predicted  ;  but  the 
steady  increase  of  the  congregation  and  the  con- 
tinuous assembling  of  strangers  within  its  walls, 
soon  proved  that  the  designers  had  been  far-seeing 
men,  and  had  rightly  estimated  the  wonderful 
mental  and  eloquential  powers  of  their  young  pas- 
tor. 


72 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


CHAPTER  FOURTH. 

Position  assumed  by  the  Ministry  toward  Slavery  and  Abolitionism — 
Beecher  on  their  pusillanimity — Fugitive  Slave  Law  passed — Its 
effect — Kansas  Troubles — Religion  and  Business — Free  Speech 
advocated — Invasion  of  Plymouth  Church  by  N.  Y.  Roughs. 


1FTER  Daniel  Webster  had  delivered  *  his 
great  speech  in  favor  of  t  Mason's  Fugitive 
Slave  Bill,  and  signified  his  intention  to  vote 
for  it,  when  | "  every  '  conservative  'pulpit  and  ros- 
trum resounded  with  feebler  and  duller  imitations 
in  drift  and  substance  of  this  language  (Webster's 
speech) — the  purport  of  all  being  that  whoever 
failed  to  do  '  with  alacrity,'  whatever  he  could 
toward  securing  the  return  of  fugitive  slaves  to 
their  masters,  was  guilty  of  a  flagrant  breach,  not 
only  of  constitutional,  but  of  moral  obligation ;  " 
when  the  press — that  most  powerful  mentor  of  the 
public — of  the  North, — with  a  few  notable  excep- 
tions,— as  well   as  of  the  South,  was  scouting  at 

*  March  7th,  1850. 

•j-  James  M.  Mason,  of  Va.,  of  later  notoriety  in  the  Trent  fiasco 
(Nov.  8,  1861). 

%  XVI.  The  Era  of  Slave  Hunting.  P.  220,  Greeley 's  American 
Conflict. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


n 


the  very  idea  of  opposing  a  constitutional  law  and 
deriding  the  opposers  ;  when  all  other  clergymen 
— again  with  a  few  notable  exceptions — were  at- 
tempting to  vindicate  the  doctrine,  that  no  person 
was  justified  in  advancing,  or  defending  the  ad- 
vancement of  opinions  discordant  with  the  views 
of  the  majority;  then,  the  pastor  of  Plymouth 
Church,  abetted  by  the  congregation,  alike  un- 
dauntedly defying  the  thunderbolts  of  statesmen 
and  the  press,  the  polished  but  venomous  arrows 
of  his  fellow-divines,  and  the  popguns  of  lesser 
lights,  declared  that  the  "  Law  of  God  was  higher 
than  all  other  laws,  Government  or  State,  Consti- 
tutional or  Unconstitutional,  and  must  first  be 
obeyed." 

The  timid — to  use  no  severer  word — and  vacil- 
lating course  of  action  adopted  in  reference  to 
the  slavery  question  by  the  ministry  of  New 
York  in  particular,  and  by  the  clergy  of  the  coun- 
try in  general,  was  thus  rebuked  from  Plymouth 
pulpit : 

*  "  The  worst  spectacle  which  this  country  now 
presents  is  not,  I  think,  the  governmental  or  polit- 
ical corruptions,  though  these  are  enormous ;  but 
it  is  that  of  a  religious  body,  like  the  one  in  New 


*  Notes  from  Plymouth  Pulpit.     Augusta  Moore. 
4 


* 


74  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

York,  utterly  refusing  to  open  its  mouth  against 
the  blackest  iniquity  of  the  age. 

"And  for  what,  in  the  name  of  Heaven  ?  What 
reason  do  they  give  for  this  strange  silence  ?  Why, 
because,  if  it  does  speak  against  sin,  it  will  not  be 
allowed  to  preach  the  Gospel.  If  every  sin  were 
as  powerful  as  is  this  sin  of  slavery,  what  would 
these  preachers  of  the  Gospel  do  ?  Keep  silence 
in  regard  to  them  all,  of  course  ;  for,  according  to 
their  views,  only  the  smaller  and  least  powerful 
sins  can  be  safely  hit.  That  ponderous  body  can 
bombard  men  bravely  for  using  tobacco,  but  it 
can't  say  one  word  against  selling  men  and  women 
to  raise  it.  It  can  spend  itself  and  exert  its  tre- 
mendous machinery  against  the  awful  sin  of  the 
dancing  of  young  men  and  maidens  ;  but  can't  ut- 
ter a  word,  when  maidens  are  sold  to  prostitution, 
and  young  men  are  driven  off,  in  chain-gangs,  to 
the  rice  swamps  of  Georgia. 

"  The  use  I  make  of  such  men,  is  to  point  the 
young  men  to  them,  and  say  :  ■  These  are  men 
whom  you  must  shun  to  resemble.'  The  worst 
stamp  of  Phariseeism  was  not  in  our  Saviour's  day. 
It  has,  after  years  of  monstrous  growth,  exhibited 
itself  in  the  ninteenth  century." 

The  condemnation  of  the  slave-hunting  law  by 
the  Plymouth  Jupiter  Tonans,  and  his  fearless  dec- 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  75 

laration  of  the  manner  he  should  act  in  reference  to 
it,  were  not  less  pointed.  Said  he  :  "  Our  citizens 
have  been  lynched  for  the  suspicion  of  holding  free 
sentiments  ;  letters  and  papers  have  been  refused 
a  channel  in  the  national  mail  ;  it  has  been  freely- 
said,  and  it  was  no  vain  threat,  that  a  lamp-post  or 
tree  should  be  that  man's  rostrum  who  dared  to  own 
abolitionism  in  Southern  territory ;  free  colored 
citizens  have  been  kidnapped,  carried  into  hopeless 
slavery  from  our  midst ;  our  ships  and  boats  could 
not  carry  colored  cooks,  stewards,  or  sailors,  with- 
out having  their  service  withheld  from  them  ;  our 
whole  free  colored  population  are  denied  the  right 
of  travel  and  residence  in  slave  States,  which  the 
Constitution  guarantees  to  all  citizens;  they  are 
arrested  if  found,  and  sold,  if  proved  free,  to  pay 
jail  fees. 

"Man  cannot  plant  parchments  as  deep  as  God 
plants  principles.  The  Senate  of  the  United  States 
is  august ;  and  such  men  as  lead  her  counsels  are 
men  of  might.  But  no  man,  and  no  senate  of  men, 
when  once  the  eyes  of  a  community  are  open  to  a 
question  of  humanity,  can  reason  or  enact  them 
back  again  to  a  state  of  indifference,  and  still  less 
can  they  enlist  them  along  with  the  remorseless 
hunters  of  human  flesh. 


]6  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

1 '  We  solemnly  appeal  to  Christians  of  every  name, 
to  all  sober  and  humane  men,  unwrenched  by 
party  feelings,  to  all  that  love  man,  to  behold  and 
ponder  this  iniquity  which  is  done  among  us ! 
Shall  an  army  of  wretched  victims,  without  a  crime, 
unconvicted  of  wrong,  pursuing  honest  occupa- 
tions, be  sent  back  to  a  loathed  and  detestable 
slavery  ?  Here  is  no  abstract  question.  We  ask 
you,  shall  men  now  free,  shall  members  of  the 
church,  shall  children  from  the  school,  shall  even 
ministers  of  the  Gospel,  be  seized,  ironed,  and  in 
two  hours  be  on  the  road  to  a  servitude  to  them 
worse  than  death  ? 

"For  our  own  selves,  we  do  not  hesitate  to  say, 
what  every  man  who  has  a  spark  of  manhood  in 
him  will  say  with  us,  that  no  force  should  bring  us 
into  such  horrible  bondage.  Before  we  would 
yield  ourselves  to  go  away  to  linger  and  long  for 
death  through  burning  years  of  injustice,  we  would 
die  a  thousand  deaths.  Every  house  should  be 
our  fortress  ;  and  when  fortress  and  refuge  failed 
us,  then  our  pursuers  should  release  our  souls  to 
the  hands  of  God  who  gave  them,  before  they 
should  degrade  them  by  a  living  slavery !  Who 
shall  deny  these  feelings  and  such  refuge  to  a  black 
man  ? 

"With  such  solemn  convictions,  no  law,  impious, 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH 


77 


infidel  to  God  and  humanity,  shall  have  respect  or 
observance  at  our  hands.  We  desire  no  collision 
with  it.  We  shall  not  rashly  dash  upon  it.  We. 
shall  not  attempt  a  rescue,  nor  interrupt  officers,  if 
they  do  not  interrupt  us.  We  prefer  to  labor 
peaceably  for  its  early  repeal,  meanwhile  saving 
from  its  merciless  jaws  as  many  victims  as  we  can. 
But  in  those  provisions  which  respect  aid  to  fugi- 
tives, may  God  do  so  to  us,  yea,  and  more  also,  if 
we  do  not  spurn  it  as  we  would  any  other  mandate 

of  Satan 

"  J  will  both  shelter  them,  conceal  them,  or  speed 
their  flight ;  and  while  under  my  shelter,  or  under 
my  convoy,  they  shall  be  to  me  as  my  own  flesh 
and  blood  ;  and  whatever  defence  I  would  put 
forth  for  my  own  children,  that  shall  these  poor, 
despised,  and  persecuted  creatures  have  in  my 
house  or  upon  the  road.  The  man  who  shall  be- 
tray a  fellow-creature  to  bondage,  who  shall  obey 
this  law  to  the  peril  of  his  soul,  and  to  the  loss  of 
his  manhood,  were  he  brother,  son,  or  father,  shall 
never  pollute  my  hand  with  the  grasp  of  hideous 
friendship  ;  or  cast  his  swarthy  shadow  across  my 
threshold  !  For  such  service  to  those  whose  help- 
lessness and  poverty  make  them  peculiarly  God's 
children,  I  shall  cheerfully  take  the  pains  and  pen- 
alties of  this  Bill.     Bonds  and  fines  shall  be  hon- 


78  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

ors  ;  imprisonment  and  suffering  will  be  passports 
to  fame  not  long  to  linger  !  " 

A  meeting  was  held  at  Castle  Garden  by  an  as- 
semblage of  gentlemen,  calling  themselves  a 
Union  Saving  Committee,  at  which  an  attempt 
was  made  to  intimidate  the  merchants  of  New 
York  City  by  a  threat  to  financially  ruin  all  those 
who  refused  to  sell  their  principles  with  their 
wares;  but  the  Plymouth  pastor,  ever  active  in 
emergencies,  not  only  urged  independence  of 
principle  from  his  pulpit,  but  called  at  store  after 
store,  and  personally  besought  all  business  men  to 
stand  by  their  principles  at  all  hazards.*  He 
further  earnestly  opposed  the  noted  Bill  in  a  series 
of  lectures  throughout  New  York  and  New  Eng- 
land. 

Thus  at  the  t  passage  of  the  Fugitive  Slave  Bill, 
it  would  seem,  had  been  unconsciously  passed  an 
edict  that  the  name  of  Plymouth  Church  of  Brook- 
lyn should  become  famous  throughout  the  land — 
throughout  the  world,  not  only  by  the  fearless  de- 
nouncements of  Slavery  as  an  institution,  and  the 
Fugitive  Slave  Law  by  its  pastor,  but  also  by  the 
outspoken  sympathy  for,  and  the  active  and  will- 
ing aid  given  to,  the  fleeing  and  hunted  bondmen. 

*  1856. 

f  Passed  Sept.  11,  1850;  became  a  law  Sept.  iS,  1850. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


79 


Its  pastor  certainly  was  one  of  the  most  prom- 
inent of  the  Directors  of  the  once  noted  Under- 
ground Railroad  Company,  and  its  congregation 
were  nearly  all  large  stockholders  in  that  Line — 
of  which,  by  the  way,  the  Church  itself  may  be 
said  to  have  been  the  Grand  Central  Depot. 

From  this  time  forth  Mr.  Beecher  made  a  prac- 
tice— immediately  preceding  the  annual  sale  of 
pews — of  clearly  and  unmistakably  expressing  his 
views  upon  Slavery  and  other  practical  reforms  of 
the  day,  for  the  especial  purpose  of  forewarning 
all  those  who  contemplated  renting  sittings  for  the 
ensuing  year,  of  the  general  tenor  of  his  preaching 
and  the  application  he  should  make  of  it  to  the 
great  issues  of  the  time,  so  that  none  could  have 
reasonable  grounds  for  complaint  or  dissatisfaction 
with  his  course. 

Comments,  favorable  and  unfavorable,  were 
abundant  upon  his  deliberate  deviation  from  all 
established  rules  of  Gospel  preaching,  upon  his 
unparalleled  audacity  in  applying  the  teachings  of 
Christ  and  the  Holy  Scriptures  to  the  daily  life  of 
mankind — to  say  nothing  of  the  still  more  awful 
and  wilful  desecration  of  any  pulpit  by  dragging 
politics  into  it. 

In  reply  to  which  he  said  :  * 

*  Notes  from  Plymouth  Pulpit.     Augusta  Moore. 


80  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

"  The  infidelity  of  the  last  twenty-five  years 
has  been  that  which  has  sought  to  emasculate 
religion  by  separating  it  from  practical  life  and 
lifting  it  so  far  above  everybody's  daily  and  famil- 
iar use,  that  they  might  as  well  be  without  it. 
The  pretence  is,  that  religion  is  too  sacred  to  be 
rendered  useful  in  common  matters.  Over  church 
doors  men  write  :  '  Religion  is  religion '  ;  and 
over  store  doors:  'Business  is  business.'  And 
the  church  says  to  business  :  '  Don't  you  come  in 
here '  ;  and  the  store  says  to  religion  :  '  Don't 
you  come  in  here  /  ' 

"  Man  rejects  the  interference  of  the  higher  law 
in  his  business  as  impertinence.  But  when  Sun- 
day comes,  he  says,  '  We've  had  enough  of  busi- 
ness all  the  week ;  now  let  us  have  the  blessed 
Gospel. ' 

"And  the  minister  confines  himself  to  '  Christ 
and  Him  crucified.'  He  mustn't  mention  love  to 
God  and  man  shown  in  business  transactions,  for 
he  must  preach  the  Gospel ;  he  mustn't  exhort  to 
temperance,  for  he  must  preach  the  Gospel ;  he 
mustn't  preach  of  justice,  purity,  and  humanity, 
for  he  must  preach  the  Gospel. 

"  Why,  if  men  catch '  the  higher  law  '  on  'change, 

or  in  the  street,  they  hoot  at  it,  they  chase  it,  they 

*hit  it,  and  drive  it  from  among  them,  crying  out: 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  8 1 

1  Here  is  the  higher  law  escaped  out  of  the  church, 
and  out  of  Sunday.'  " 

During  the  succeeding  years  of  agitation,  Plym- 
outh Church  was  one  of  the  few  temples  of  Free 
thought,  opinion,  and  speech,  in  this  land  of 
boasted  liberty.  So  bitter  was  the  hate  for  aboli- 
tionists, that  at  one  time  it  was  impossible  to  ob- 
tain a  hall  in  New  York  or  Brooklyn  wherein 
Wendell  Phillips  might  speak.  Mr.  Beecher,  be- 
coming cognizant  of  the  fact,  immediately  visited 
the  Trustees  of  Plymouth  Church  in  person,  and 
procured  permission  for  Mr.  Phillips  to  speak  in 
the  church — not  because  he  was  a  believer  in  all 
the  doctrine  advanced  by  the  great  agitator,  but 
because  he  was  a  believer  in  Free  Speech.  As  dis- 
turbances were  not  only  anticipated  but  threatened, 
the  trustees,  in  accordance  with  a  request  of  the 
pastor,  attended  the  meeting  armed  with  heavy 
canes,  and  the  city  authorities,  in  compliance  with 
a  demand,  furnished  a  police  force.  Happily, 
however,  there  was  no  trouble. 

Throughout  the  Kansas  settlement  struggle,  the 
right  of  every  "  Free  State  "  settler  to  defend  him- 
self and  his  rights,  with  arms  if  necessary,  from 
the  incursions  and  aggressions  of  the  "  Border 
Ruffians,"  was  vindicated  from  Plymouth  pulpit. 
The  pastor  himself  subscribed  a  sufficient  amount 


82  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

for  the  purchase  of  a  Sharp's  rifle  and  a  Bible,  and 
the  congregation  expressed  its  hearty  concurrence 
by  a  liberal  subscription  to  aid  in  supplying  all 
settlers  with  those  commodities. 

The  hate  of  the  lower  and  more  ignorant  classes 
of  New  York  City  for  Plymouth  Church  and  pastor 
was  intense  ;  and  one  Sunday  morning  (June  8th) 
in  1856,  the  New  York  journals  announced  that  a 
gang  of  roughs  from  Washington  Market  intended 
visiting  Brooklyn  that  evening,  for  the  especial  pur- 
pose of  "cleaning  out  the  d — d  abolition  nest  at 
Plymouth  Church, "  and  forever  dispensing  with 
the  services  of  "Beecher."  This  startling  intelli- 
gence naturally  caused  considerable  excitement 
among  the  Plymouthites,  and  they  determined  to 
prepare  for  emergencies.  The  Mayor  and  the 
Chief  of  Police  were  immediately  notified  of  the 
threatened  raid,  and  a  large  police  force  were 
ordered  to  report,  in  citizen's  attire,  at  the  church 
that  evening.  In  addition  to  this,  some  fifty  gen- 
tlemen, regular  attendants,  among  whom  were 
some  of  the  trustees,  also  armed  themselves  with 
revolvers  before  going  to  evening  services.  Shortly 
before  the  church  doors  were  thrown  open  that 
night  crowds  of  roughs  congregated  on  the  neigh- 
boring corners,  but  offered  no  remark  or  violence 
to    any  one,  and  when   the    church    was   opened 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  83 

many  of  them  entered  and  quietly  seated  them- 
selves. Either  there  had  been  no  intention  to 
create  any  disturbance,  or  they  had  in  some  way 
learned  of  the  reception  awaiting  them  and  wisely 
concluded  to  give  up  or  postpone  their  intended 
demonstration ;.  for  they  soon  passed  into  the 
street  again,  and,  after  muttering  curses  upon  all 
"  abolitionists  and  nigger- worshippers,"  formed  in 
procession  and  returned  to  New  York.  During 
the  services,  while  each  one  of  the  immense  crowd 
was  nervously  watching  and  waiting  for  a  some- 
thing they  knew  not  what,  and  at  a  moment  when 
the  entire  audience  were  held  in  breathless  silence 
by  the  eloquence  of  the  pastor,  some  object,  hurled 
from  without,  struck  a  pane  of  glass  in  the  rear 
window,  on  the  east  side  of  the  pulpit,  and  broke 
it ;  *  a  bullet  dropped  upon  the  window-sill,  and 
for  a  moment  there  was  a  commotion  among  the 
people  near  the  window,  then  all  was  again  quiet. 
The  services  were  not  otherwise  disturbed,  and  no 
more  invasions  were  thereafter  threatened. 

*  Some  mischievous-minded  person,  cognizant  of  the  morning's 
rumors,  probably  wished  to  create  a  sensation,  and,  thinking  a  bullet 
the  most  impressive  of  missiles,  had  thrown  one  against  the  window. 


84  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


CHAPTER   FIFTH. 

Church  Finances — Harvey  S.  Weld  appointed*  sexton — Congrega- 
tional Singing — The  introduction  of  Plymouth  Collection — Geo. 
A.  Bell — Sunday-school  statistics — Increase  of  the  Society  in 
1852 — Improvement  in  aisle  chairs — "  Pauper  Pews" — Baptism 
by  Immersion — Statistics,  1858. 

ANY  changes  had  taken  place  and  many 
improvements  had  been  made  meanwhile, 
— all  of  which  were  less  a  part  of  the  pub- 
lic than  private  history  of  the  church. 

The  increase  of  the  church  income — from  pew- 
rental — enabled  the  payment,  in  1852,  of  $13,200, 
the  amount  of  the  floating  debt ;  thus  leaving  the 
Society  indebted  only  $16,000,  the  balance  for  the 
original  purchase-money,  which  was  secured  by 
mortgage. 

In  1854,  the  system  of  pew-rent  collection  was 
changed,  and  the  present  one  adopted  ;  with  that 
alteration  it  became  necessary  to  appoint  a  new 
sexton.  *Mr.  Harvey  S.  "Weld,  the  present  in- 
cumbent, received  the  appointment. 

*  Mr.  Weld  has  kindly  furnished  an  amusing  anecdote  of  Mr. 
Beecher  as  a  tutor  of  church  bell-ringing.  Between  the  auditorium 
and  lecture-room  there  was  formerly  a  pastor's  study,  where  Mr. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  85 

Congregational  singing  has  ever  been  one  of  the 
prominent  features  of  Plymouth  Church  services, 
and  in  1855  "  The  Plymouth  Collection,"  a  book 
containing  thirteen  hundred  and  seventy-four 
hymns,  three  hundred  and  sixty-seven  tunes,  and 
twenty-six  doxologies,*  was  produced.    This  work, 

Beecher  was  accustomed  to  pass  an  hour  or  two  immediately  before 
church  services,  revising  and  correcting  his  sermon.  The  new  sex- 
ton was  somewhat  awkward  in  the  performance  of  his  duties — and 
in  none,  perhaps,  more  so  than  in  ringing  and  tolling  the  bell.  The 
pastor,  whose  ear  was  sufficiently  sensitive  to  detect  discord  even  in 
bell-ringing,  had  probably  been  considerably  annoyed  by  the  sexton's 
too  evident  inexperience.  Consequently,  one  Sunday  morning,  just 
as  the  tolling  began,  he  left  his  study,  walked  through  the  lecture- 
room  to  the  Cranberry-street  hall,  and  suddenly  appeared  to  the 
astonished  sexton,  saying :  **  Let  me  show  you  how  to  toll  the  bell 
more  uniformly ;  it  requires  a  strong  steady  pull  to  strike  it  exact 
and  at  equal  intervals."  Seizing  the  rope  with  both  hands,  he  began 
pulling,  and  it  must  be  said  he  made  rather  worse  work  of  it  than 
the  sexton.  Soon  after,  the  Cranberry-street  door  was  opened  and  a 
young  man  bearing  a  dapper  black  cane  in  his  gloved  hand  entered. 
Approaching  the  bell-ringing  pastor,  he  consequentially  inquired  if 
"the  Rev.  Dr.  Beecher"  would  preach  that  day.  Mr.  Beecher, 
slightly  out  of  breath,  paused  long  enough  to  give  utterance  to  a  very 
emphatic  "  Yes  !  "  and  then  gave  another  pull  The  exquisite  went 
out  and  passed  under  the  archway  toward  Orange  street,  and  prob- 
ably entered  the  church.  His  surprise  can  be  imagined  when  he 
discovered  that  "the  Rev.  Dr.  Beecher"  and  the  bell-ringer  of  a 
few  minutes  previous  were  one  and  the  same. 

In  conclusion,  it  may  be  said  that  Mr.  Beecher,  after  that  day, 
probably  concluded  that  bell-ringing  and  tolling  was  not  his  forte, 
for  he  never  thereafter  offered  to  give  instructions  in  that  branch  of 
art. 

*  There  has  been  since  added  a  supplement  of  ten  hymns,  and 
seven  tunes. 


86  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

which  was  a  labor  of  four  years  and  under  the  per- 
sonal supervision  of  Henry  Ward  Beecher,  John 
Zundel,  and  Rev.  Charles  Beecher,  and  the  ends 
it  was  intended  to  accomplish,  may  be  best  de- 
scribed by  portions  of  its  Introduction.* 

....  "The  work  is  the  result  of  a  conviction 
that  congregational  singing  best  answers  the  end 
of  worship  by  means  of  song.  A  choir  should  not 
sing  for  the  congregation,  but  incite  them  to  sing, 

and  lead  the  way " 

In  reference  to  the  hymns  presented : 
"No  pains  have  been  spared  in  collecting  ma- 
terials for  this  work.  The  principal  collections  of 
Psalms  and  Hymns  that  have  been  published, 
either  in  America  or  Great  Britain,  have  been  care- 
fully searched,  and  the  fugitive  pieces  which  have 
appeared  in  religious  journals,  or  in  collected  po- 
etical works  of  recent  authors,  have  been  made  to 
contribute  to  the  store.  A  hymn  is  a  lyrical  dis- 
course to  the  feelings.  It  should  either  excite  or 
express  feeling.  The  recitation  of  historical  facts, 
descriptions  of  scenery,  narrations  of  events,  medi- 
tations,— all  may  tend  to  inspire  feeling.  Hymns 
are  not  to  be  excluded,  therefore,  because  they  are 
deficient  in  lyrical  form,  or  in  feeling,  if  experience 

*  Introduction,  written  by  Henry  Ward  Beecher,  dated  August 
5,  1855. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  87 

shows  that  they  have  power  to  excite  pious  emo- 
tions. Not  many  of  Newton's  hymns  can  be  called 
poetical ;  yet  there  are  few  hymns  in  the  English 
language  that  are  more  useful. 

"  We  have  carefully  avoided  a  narrow  adherence 
to  our  own  personal  taste  in  the  selection  of 
hymns.  Scarcely  any  two  ministers  would  agree 
in  the  selection  of  hymns.  A  collection  should  be 
made  so  large  and  various  that  every  one  may  find 
in  it  that  which  he  needs.  Neither  should  one 
complain  of  the  multitude  of  hymns  useless  to  him. 
They  are  not  useless  to  others.  A  generously 
spread  table  is  not  at  fault  because,  in  the  profu- 
sion, each  guest  cannot  use  everything.  Every  one 
should  have  all  liberty  and  the  means  of  following 
his  own  taste.  Had  we  made  this  collection 
merely  for  our  own  use,  it  would  not  have  num- 
bered more  than  five  hundred  hymns. 

"  Much  attention  has  been  given  to  the  Great 
Humanities  which  the  Gospel  develops,  whenever 
it  is  faithfully  and  purely  preached.  The  hymns 
of  Temperance,  of  Human  Rights  and  Freedom, 
of  Peace,  and  of  Benevolence,  will  be  found  both 
numerous,  energetic,  and  eminently  Christian. 
No  pains  have  been  spared  to  secure  a  full  expres- 
sion to  the  whole  religious  feeling  and  activity  of 
our  times. 


88  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

u  We  have  sought  for  hymns  in  the  books  of 
every  denomination  of  Christians.  There  are  certain 
hymns  of  the  sacrifice  of  Christ,  of  utter  and  almost 
soul-dissolving  yearning  for  the  benefits  of  His 
mediation,  which  none  could  write  so  well  as  a 
devout  and  truly  pious  Roman  Catholic.  Some 
of  the  most  touching  and  truly  evangelical  hymns 
in  this  collection  have  been  gathered  from  this 
source.  It  has  been  a  matter  of  joy  to  us  to 
learn,  during  our  research,  how  much  food  for 
true  piety  is  afforded  through  Catholic  devotional 
books,  to  the  masses  of  darkened  minds  within 
that  church  of  error. 

"We  have  gathered  many  exquisite  hymns  from 
the  Moravian  Collections,  developing  the  most 
tender  and  loving  views  of  Christ,  of  his  personal 
presence  and  gentle  companionship 

"  To  say  that  we  have  sought  for  hymns  express- 
ing the  deepest  religious  feeling,  and  particularly 
the  sentiments  of  love,  and  trust,  and  divine  cour- 
age, and  hopefulness,  is  only  to  say  that  we  have 
drawn  largely  from  the  best  Methodist  hymns." 


In  reference  to  Music  : 

"As   this   work   is   designed    for    families,    for 
social  meetings,  and  for  the  lecture-room,  as  well 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


89 


as  for  the  great  congregation,  so  the  music  has 
been  selected  with  reference  to  all  these  wants. 
But  the  tunes  are  chiefly  for  congregational  sing- 
ing. We  have  gathered  up  whatever  we  could 
find  of  merit,  in  old  or  new  music,  that  seemed 
fitted  for  this  end.  Not  the  least  excellent  are  the 
popular  revival  melodies,  which,  though  often  ex- 
cluded from  classic  collections  of  music,  have  never 

been  driven  out  from  among  the  people 

Because  they  are  homebred  and  popular,  rather 
than  foreign  and  stately,  we  like  them  none  the 
less 

11  Congregational  singing  will  never  become  gen- 
eral and  permanent,  until  the  churches  employ 
tunes  which  have  melodies,  that  cling  to  the  mem- 
ory and  touch  the  feelings  or  the  imagination. 

"  Music  is  not  simply  a  vehicle  for  carrying  a 
hymn.  It  is  something  in  itself.  No  tune  is  fit 
to  be  sung  to  a  hymn  which  would  not  be  pleasant, 
in  itself,  without  any  words.  Any  other  view  of 
the  function  of  music,  if  it  shall  prevail,  will  in  the 
end  bring  music  to  such  a  tame  and  tasteless  state, 
that  a  reaction  will  be  inevitable,  and  the  public 
mind  will  go  to  the  opposite  extreme.  Thus, 
those  who  are  conscientiously  anxious  to  make 
music  a  means  of  religious  feeling,  will,  by  an  in- 


go  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

judicious   method,  produce   by  and  by  the  very 

mischief  which  they  sought  to  cure 

"  The  tunes  which  burden  our  modern  books  in 
hundreds  and  thousands,  utterly  devoid  of  charac- 
ter, without  meaning  or  substance,  may  be  sung  a 
hundred  times,  and  not  a  person  in  the  congrega- 
tion will  remember  them.  There  is  nothing  to 
remember.  They  are  the  very  emptiness  of  fluent 
noise.  But  let  a  true  tune  be  sung,  and  every 
person  of  sensibility,  every  person  of  feeling,  every 
child  even,  is  aroused  and  touched.  The  melody 
clings  to  fhem.  On  the  way  home  snatches  of  it 
will  be  heard  on  this  side  and  on  that ;  and  when, 
the  next  Sabbath,  the  same  song  is  heard,  one  and 
another  of  the  people  fall  in,  and  the  volume  grows 
with  each  verse,  until  at  length  the  song,  breaking 
forth  as  a  many-rilled  stream  from  the  hills,  grows 
deeper  and  flows  on,  broad  as  a  mighty  river  ! 

Such  tunes  are  never  forgotten 

Such  tunes  give  new  harmony  and  sweetness  even 
to  the  hymns  which  float  upon  their  current. 

"  We  do  not  think  that  Congregational  singing 
will  ever  prevail  with  power,  until  pastors  of 
churches  appreciate  its  importance,  and  universally 
labor  to  secure  it.  If  ministers  regard  singing  as 
but  a  decorous  kind  of  amusement,  pleasantly  re- 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


91 


lieving  or  separating  the  more  solemn  acts  of  wor- 
ship, it  will  always  be  degraded.  The  pastor,  in 
many  cases,  in  small  rural  churches,  may  be  himself 
the  leader.  In  larger  societies,  where  a  musical 
director  is  employed,  the  pastor  should  still  be  the 
animating  centre  of  the  music,  encouraging  the 
people  to  take  part  in  it,  keeping  before  them  their 
duty  and  their  benefit  in  participating  in  this  most 
delightful  part  of  public  worship. 

"  It  is  a  very  general  impression  that  the  pastor 
is  to  teach  and  to  pray,  but  another  man  to  sing. 
Music  is  farmed  out,  and  the  unity  of  public  services 
is  marred  by  two  systems  of  exercises  conducted 
by  different  persons,  and  oftentimes  without  con- 
cord or  sympathy  with  each  other,  and  sometimes 
even  with  such  contrariety  that  the  organ  and  the 
choir  effectually  neutralize  the  pulpit.  While  it 
may  not  be  needful  that  the  pastor  should  perform 
the  part  of  a  musical  leader,  yet  it  is  certain  that 
there  will  not  be  a  spirit  of  song,  in  the  whole  con- 
gregation, if  he  is  himself  indifferent  to  it,  and  the 
first  step  toward  Congregational  singing  must  be 
in  the  direction  of  the  ministry."  * 


*  Considerable — and  too  much,  it  may  seem  to  those  conversant 
with  the  facts — space  has  been  devoted  to  this  subject — for  it  is 
hoped  this  book  will  be  read  by  people,  to  whom   some,  if  not 


92  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

Among  the  ten  original  teachers,  when  Plymouth 
Sunday-school  was  founded,  were  George  A.  Bell 
and  Henry  E.  Morrill  ;  one  of  whom,  the  former, 
was  destined  to  be  the  life  and  light,  successively, 
of  Plymouth  Sabbath-school  and  its  two  Mission 
schools,  while  the  latter  had  the  honor  of  holding 
the  superintendency  of  Plymouth  Sunday-school 
longer  than  any  other  man.  Henry  C.  Bowen  had 
occupied  that  office  from  September,  1847, to  Jan~ 
uary,  1848,  when  he  was  succeeded  by  Luther 
Eames,  who  continued  in  office  one  year.  Edward 
Corning  officiated  from  January,  1849,  to  January, 
185 1.  He  was  followed  by  Henry  E.  Morrill.  In 
December,  1855,  the  Sabbath-school  attendance 
was  one  hundred  and  fifty-nine. 

In  1852  the  Church  acquired  one  hundred  and 
sixty-one  members — one  hundred  and  two  on  pro- 
fession of  faith,  and  fifty-nine  by  letter — a  larger 
acquisition  than  that  of  any  previous  year.  The 
total  membership  on  January  1,  1853,  was — ex- 
clusive of  those  lost  by  death  and  honorable  dis- 
mission— six  hundred  and  three  ;  an  increase  of 
five  hundred  and  eighty-two  from  June,  1847. 

all,  of  the  rather  lengthy  quotation  will  be  new  and  interesting — not 
only  because  Plymouth  was  the  pioneer  church  in  Congregational 
singing,  but,  also,  because  no  clearer  statement  of  the  advantages 
of  that  system  has  been  made,  nor  broader  and  more  lucid  principles 
in  relation  to  singing,  as  a  part  of  true  worship,  have  been  advanced, 
than  by  Mr.  Beecher  in  his  Introduction  to  Plymouth  Collection. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


93 


Until  the  year  1857,  strangers  were  accommo- 
dated with  chairs  and  stools ;  but  the  general  in- 
convenience of  both,  and  their  constant  need  of 
repair  finally  determined  the  trustees  to  adopt,  if 
possible,  a  more  efficient  method  for  seating  the 
crowds  of  outsiders.  After  several  patterns  had 
been  presented,  their  various  merits  urged,  and 
some  tried,  the  simple  folding  chairs,  now  in  use, 
were  invented  and  patented,  at  the  suggestion  of 
Moses  S.  Beach,  by  a  man  who  was  at  that  time 
Mr.  Tappan  Reeve's  foreman.  The  chairs  on  one 
side  of  each  aisle  are  rented,  either  with  the  pews 
they  are  attached  to,  or  separately  ;  the  remainder, 
together  with  other  comfortable  sittings,  which 
swell  the  number  of  free  seats  to  five  hundred,  are 
for  the  especial  benefit  of  visitors,  and  those  of  the 
attendant  congregation  whose  limited  means  will 
not  permit  the  payment  of  pew-rent.  It  has 
often  been  falsely  reported  that  the  poor  of  Plym- 
outh Church  were  "  crowded  out ;  "  not  only  were 
these  aisle-chairs  and  wall  seats  reserved,  but, 
formerly,  a  number  of  pews  were  for  several  years 
set  apart  by  the  trustees,  from  the  annual  renting, 
which  were  to  be  assigned  to  the  deserving  poor 
by  the  deacons.  But  immediately  it  became 
known  that  this  reservation  had  been  made,  the 
poor  denounced  the  reserved  pews  as  "the  pauper 


94  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

pews,"  and  refused  to  sit  in  them  ;  consequently 
no  pews  have  since  been  withheld  from  rental  ex- 
cept that  of  the  pastor,  who  has  not  yet  seen  fit  to 
denounce  his  as  deserving  the  title  of  eleemo- 
synary. 

The  canons  of  the  Congregational  Church  direct 
pastors  of  that  denomination  to  sprinkle  only 
when  performing  baptismal  ceremonies  ;  but  Mr. 
Beecher,  doubting  that  the  virtue  of  baptism  con- 
sisted in  the  quantity  of  water  used,  and  believing 
that  every  person  had  a  right  to  choose  for  them- 
selves on  such  a  purely  doctrinal  question,  cour- 
ageously broke  from  the  leading-strings  of  secta- 
rianism, and  immersed  or  sprinkled,  according 
to  the  desire  of  candidates.  As  there  was  no 
baptistery  in  his  church,  he  was  obliged  to  depend 
upon  the  benevolence  of  the  neighboring  Baptist 
churches.  The  inconvenience  of  this  course  soon 
became  apparent,  and  in  May,  1858,  he,  in  a  writ- 
ten application  to  the  trustees,  requested  that  a 
baptistery  be  placed  under  the  pulpit  platform. 
The  Board  of  Trustees  met  and  considered  the  un- 
precedented request.  They  declared  their  willing- 
ness to  concede  to  any  reasonable  desire  of  the 
pastor,  but  the  proposal  of  a  baptistery  in  a  Con- 
gregational church  was,  they  thought,  a  deliberate 
deviation  from  the  prescriptions  of  the  church,  which 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH,  95 

ought  not  be  tolerated;  and  it  was  "Resolved 
that  the  introduction  of  a  Baptistery  in  Plymouth 
Church,  and  its  use  on  public  occasions,  would,  in 
the  opinion  of  the  Trustees,  lead  to  a  desecration 
of  the  ordinance,  by  converting  it  to  a  great  ex- 
tent, and  unavoidably  so,  into  an  exhibition, 
thereby  drawing  together  large  numbers  of  per- 
sons simply  from  curiosity.  And,  therefore,  the 
request  is  respectfully  refused.  But  permission 
will  be  granted  to  place  a  Baptistery  in  the  Lecture- 
Room,  and  in  connection  with  this,  the  Trustees 
would  suggest  that  the  ordinance  may  be  admin- 
istered only  in  the  presence  of  candidates  and  their 
friends."  The  pastor,  however,  confidently  con- 
scious that  his  views  on  the  subject  were  ethically 
just,  was  unwilling  to  receive  this  answer  as  final, 
and  by  some  means  caused  the  reconsideration  of 
the  resolution  at  the  next  meeting  of  the  Trustees  ; 
the  result  of  which  was  that,  immediately  there- 
after, the  necessary  conveniences  for  baptism  by 
immersion  were  placed  beneath  the  pulpit  platform. 
"  When  first  people  began  to  talk  of  the  great 
numbers  Henry  Ward  Beecher  was  drawing,"  says 
Augusta  Moore  in  Notes  from  Plymouth  Pulpit, 
"  there  were  remarks  like  the  following  made  : 
'  It's  a  new  thing  ;  people  will  run  after  novelties  ; ' 
'  It  won't  last  long,  depend  on  that.    These  young 


g6  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

guns  burst  suddenly — vanity  charges  them  too 
heavily.'  '  Oh !  it's  more  the  name  of  Beecher 
than  anything  else.'  '  Any  man  that  has  tact  and 
boldness,  and  that  knows  how  to  swell,  can  draw  a 
crowd  for  a  while  !  '  "  But  the  "  great  numbers  " 
persisted  in  being  drawn  ;  it  was  a  "  new  thing," 
but  the  "  novelty  "  failed  to  wear  off;  the  "  young 
gun  burst "  repeatedly  like  a  thunder-cloud  upon 
national,  political,  and  clerical  vices  of  the  times, 
but  was  always  "charged  "  for  another  explosion  ; 
he  did  have  tact,  and  the  right  kind  of  "  tact," 
and  possessed  enough  of  "boldness"  to  uphold 
the  down-trodden,  succor  the  weak,  and  persist  in 
it;  and  if  he  did  know  how  to  "swell,"  he  also 
knew  how  to  swell  the  roll  of  Christianity,  and  the 
membership  of  Plymouth  Church. 

1858  was  by  far  the  most  fruitful  of  all  preceding 
years  ;  four  hundred  and  forty-two  persons  joined 
the  Church — three  hundred  and  sixty-nine  on 
profession  of  Christianity,  and  seventy-three  by 
letter.  This  was  in  excess  of  the  most  prosperous 
of  past  years  (1852)  by  one  hundred  and  eighty- 
one.  At  the  close  of  the  year,  which  completed  the 
first  decade  of  Henry  Ward  Beecher's  ministry  in 
Plymouth  Church,  the  members  numbered  twelve 
hundred  and  forty-one,  which,  with  the  addition 
of  three   hundred    and  forty-six  (the    number   of 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


97 


those  whose  connection  had  been  severed  either 
by  death  or  removal),  would  show  a  total  member- 
ship from  the  beginning  of  fifteen  hundred  and 
eighty-six. 

During  the  spring  of  this  year  (1858),  as  in 
1848,  1849,  1850,  185 1,  and  1857,  a  daily  morning 
prayer-meeting  had  been  held  in  the  lecture-room, 
conducted  by  the  pastor  in  person.  Throughout 
each  year  of  the  decade  there  had  been  a  marked 
increase  of  the  Society  ;  but  the  years  1849,  l%52> 
1855,  1857,  and  1858  were  particularly  noticeable 
for  revivals. 
5 


98  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH, 


CHAPTER  SIXTH. 

The  Proposed  New  Church  fiasco. 


lawgniHE  wonderful  intellectual  and  oratorical 
EB&l  Powers  °f  the  Plymouth  pastor,  his  liberal 
theology,  his  earnest  advocation  of  practi- 
cal reform,  his  zealous  defence  of  abolitionism — 
approved  by  some  and  deplored  by  others — all 
combined  to  heighten  his  popularity  and  notoriety  ; 
and  as  the  fame  of  the  pastor  increased  so  the 
demand  for  church  sittings  increased,  until  it  be- 
came manifest,  that  had  the  church  been  of  twice 
its  capacity,  even  then  vacant  seats  would  have 
been  few,  if  any.  The  question  was  soon  mooted 
whether  the  dimensions  of  the  building  should  be 
enlarged  or  another  built,  and  on  the  evening  of  Sep- 
tember 26th,  1858,  a  Society  meeting  was  held  in  the 
lecture-room,  "  To  take  measures,  if  it  be  thought 
expedient,  either  to  enlarge  our  present  building, 
or  erect  a  new  one  of  sufficient  capacity  to  furnish 
six  thousand  sittings,  and  all  the  necessary  appur- 
tenances thereto."  After  due  deliberation  they 
decided  in  favor  of  a  new  church,  and  a  committee 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


99 


was  appointed  to  secure  an  eligible  site  for  the  pro- 
posed church  at  the  earliest  possible  moment. 

On  the  evening  of  October  21st  a  public  meeting 
was  held  in  the  church,  to  further  consider  the  sub- 
ject. 

Mr.  H.  B.  Claflin  was  appointed  chairman,  and 
Mr.  J.  T.  Howard  secretary.  Mr.  Beecher  then 
opened  the  meeting  with  prayer. 

*  "  A  report  was  submitted  by  the  two  com- 
mittees, on  finance  and  location,  appointed  at  the 
preliminary  meeting,  which  was  read  by  Mr. 
Beecher.  The  report  embodies  three  points— 
Firstly,  the  committee  are  unable  to  come  to  any 
conclusion  in  regard  to  a  site  for  a  building,  and 
believe  they  should  first  determine  what  amount  of 
money  they  will  raise.  Secondly,  that  the  ground 
and  building,  according  to  the  design  approved  at 
the  last  meeting,  will  cost  $175,000.  Thirdly, 
they  submit  the  following  points  for  the  considera- 
tion of  the  meeting  : — whether  the  money  is  to  be 
subscribed  as  donations — whether  scrip  shall  be 
issued  for  the  amount — and  whether  there  shall  be 
a  sale  of  pews."  The  first  proposition  of  the  com- 
mittee— to  raise  the  money  by  voluntary  contribu- 
tion— was  adopted,  and  the  trustees  were  directed 
to  prepare  subscription  books,  to  be  supplied  to 

*  Brooklyn  Eagle,  Oct.  22,  1858. 


IOO 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


those  who  desired  or  should  be  appointed  to 
solicit  subscriptions.  An  affecting  letter  from  a 
widow  lady  in  Wrentham,  Mass.,  who  contribut- 
ed $2,  was  read  by  the  pastor.  Mr.  Moses  S. 
Beach  expressed  his  willingness  to  subscribe  $i  ,000 
and  thought  he  could  raise  $5, 000 additional.  Mr. 
Beecher  said  he  would  contribute  $1,000,  and 
thought  he  could  promise  $5,000  more  from  other 
sources.  Mr.  H.  B.  Claflin  put  his  name  down 
for  $3,000,  and  would  obtain  as  many  subscriptions 
as  possible.  The  larger  part  of  the  assemblage 
were  unprepared  to  state  what  support  they  could 
offer ;  and  consequently  the  meeting  was  adjourn- 
ed to  the  following  Monday  evening  (Oct.  24, 
1858).  On  the  appointed  evening,  about  eight 
hundred  people  were  present,  and  $41,419  were 
subscribed  in  the  following  sums  : 

One  subscription     of $6,000  -.$6,000 

Two 

Two 

One 

Seven  " 

Thirteen       " 

Two 

Four 

Two 

Nine 


3,000  .. 

6,000 

2,000  .. 

4,000 

1,500  .. 

1,500 

1,000  .. 

7,000 

500  .. 

6,500 

400  . . 

800 

300  .. 

1,200 

250  .. 

500 

200  .. 

1,800 

PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


IOI 


Thirty-five  subscriptions  of 
One 

Twenty-five 
Four 
Twenty 
Eleven 
One 

Twenty-six 
Fourteen    smaller    subscriptions 
amounting  to  . .     170 


100  .. 

3,5oo 

75  -- 

75 

50  .. 

1,250 

30  -- 

120 

25  .. 

500 

20  .. 

220 

15  .- 

15 

10  .. 

260 

170 


$41,419* 

Mr.  Freeland,  on  behalf  of  the  trustees*,  sub- 
mitted a  recommendation  that  the  proposition,  to 
raise  money  by  voluntary  subscription,  adopted  at 
the  previous  meeting,  be  rescinded,  and  offered  a 
proposition  to  issue  scrip  in  certificates  of  $10 
each,  bearing  interest  at  seven  per  cent. ,  payable 
only  in  pew-rent,  and  to  be  no  lien  on  the  church. 

*  Various  interesting  incidents  which  occurred  during  this  meeting 
axe  thus  described  in  the  Brooklyn  Eagle,  of  Oct.  25  (1858) ; 
' '  The  largest  sum  subscribed  in  cash  was  by  a  young  woman,  a 
member  of  the  church,  who  is  employed  as  a  servant  in  a  Brooklyn 
family.  She  sent  up  her  money — in  gold — instead  of  paper.  The 
amount  was  $20. 

"  A  rather  aged  man  announced  that  he  had  no  money  to  give,  but 
when  the  building  was  commenced,  he  should  ask  the  privilege  of 
giving  his  labor  with  his  trowel,  his  trade  being  that  of  a  bricklayer. 

"  One  boy  sent  up  his  dollar,  saying  it  was  the  first  dollar  he  had 
ever  been  able  to  call  his  own." 


102  PLYMOUTH   CHURCH. 

After  considerable  debating  on  the  subject,  the 
motions  of  Mr.  Freeland  were  adopted. 

The  highest  estimate  thus  far  for  cost  of  the 
ground  and  the  proposed  building,  according  to 
the  design  approved  of  at  the  first  meeting,  was 
$175,000. 

The  trustees  had  already  been  empowered  to 
offer  the  old  church  and  land  on  Orange  street 
and  Cranberry  street  for  sale  to  the  highest  bid- 
der, whenever  the  amount  of  subscriptions  should 
warrant  a  solicitation  for  the  presentation  of  arch- 
itectural plans  and  estimates  for  the  erection  of  the 
projected  building. 

The  trustees  met  almost  every  evening,  and 
compared  the  results  of  their  individual  exertions 
and  ascertained  the  total  amount  of  subscriptions. 
They  were  unsuccessful  for  a  time  in  finding  a 
satisfactory  site  ;  for  some,  preferring  the  present 
location,  still  favored  the  enlargement  of  the  old 
church,  while  others  thought  a  more  central  situ- 
ation advisable.  Land  was  offered  them  at  all 
prices — from  $24,000  to  $80,000,  and  some  was 
offered  for  nothing,  and  the  construction  of  a 
building  promised  for  the  privilege  of  collecting 
the  pew-rents.  Among  the  most  favorably  located 
was  a  tract  of  land,  150  feet  by  200  feet,  compris- 
ing fourteen  lots,  and  extending  from  Montague 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  I03 

street  to  Remsen  street,  west  of  Hicks  street. 
This  property  was  offered  for  $56,000  ;  or  $4,000 
per  lot.  Mr.  Beecher  was  consulted,  and  expressed 
his  satisfaction  with  that  location,  and  the  purchase 
was  made. 

On  the  fourth  day  of  April,  1859,  advertise- 
ments *  for  architectural  plans  were  inserted  in  the 
leading  New  York  journals,  and  a  premium  of 
$500  was  offered  for  the  one  best  adapted  to  the 
Society's  wants — all  applications  and  proposals  to 
be  sent  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Board  of  Trustees 
on  or  before  June  1  (1859).  \  Architects  in  all 
parts  of  the  country  responded,  requesting  the 
"statement  of  the  trustees;"  and  on  the  ap- 
pointed day  for  examination,  more  than  twenty 
plans  invited  inspection.  That  of  Mr.  Charles 
Duggin,  an  architect  of  New  York  City,  was  most 
in  concordance  with  the  views  of  the  committee 
and  the  pastor,  and  was  declared  entitled  to  the 
premium,  and  adopted.  Mr.  Duggin  was  imme- 
diately engaged  to  superintend  the  undertaking — 

*  The  advertisement  read:  Plans  for  a  church. — That  will  con- 
tain six  thousand  sittings,  allowing  eighteen  inches  to  a  seat.  One 
or  two  galleries  may  be  planned,  running  around  the  whole  audito- 
rium, except  the  space  required  by  the  choir  and  speaker's  platform. 
The  trustees  desire  architects  to  understand  that,  while  they  look 
for  good  arrangement  in  accessory  rooms,  the  success  of  the  whole 
enterprise  is  staked  upon  the  auditorium. 

\  Thirty  in  number. 


104  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

his  compensation  to  be  five  per  cent,  on  the  total 
cost  of  construction. 

Proposals  for  the  carpenter,  mason,  and  other 
work  were  then  advertised  for — all  bids  to  be  sub- 
mitted to  the  architect  on  or  before  May  1st,  i860 
— with  this  reservation:  "and  if  no  circumstance 
should  arise  to  prevent  the  building  of  the  church, 
the  award  will  be  given  to'  the  lowest  responsible 
bidder." 

It  was  in  the  midst  of  these  strenuous  endeav- 
ors of  the  Society  to  increase  the  amount  of  sub- 
scriptions to  enable  them  to  carry  out  in  full  their 
project,  and  during  the  temporary  absence  of  Mr. 
Beecher,  that  Wendell  Phillips  sought  to  engage 
the  church  an  evening,  that  he  might  deliver  his 
"  Destruction  of  the  Union  "  therein  ;  but  the  trus- 
tees, probably  fearing  that  the  grantal  of  a  permis- 
sion for  him  to  lecture  in  the  church,  at  this  par- 
ticular time  and  under  the  existing  circumstances, 
would  rather  deter  than  forward  the  subscriptions, 
refused  him  the  rental.  The  Sunday  evening  after 
Mr.  Beecher's  return  was  devoted  to  a  sermon  on 
"  Moral  Courage  among  business  men  ;  "  during 
which  he  rebuked  the  ill-judged  circumspection  of 
the  trustees  as  follows  : 

"When  I  was  away  from  home,  recently,  I 
turned  ruby  red  with  shame  to  find  in  a  newspaper 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  i0$ 

what  I  supposed  was  an  ignominious  slander,  but 
which  proved  to  be  an  ignominious  truth — namely, 
that  this  church  had  been  refused  to  Wendell 
Phillips  for  the  delivery  of  his  address  on  '  The 
Destruction  of  the  Union.'  If  the  church  had 
not  been  accustomed  to  be  let  freely  for  concerts, 
and  lectures,  and  the  like,  pending  the  construction 
of  a  new  church,  the  case  would  have  been  differ- 
ent, and  it  might  have  been  prudent  not  to  let  it  on 
the  occasion  in  question  ;  but  when  it  was  in  the 
market,  to  be  let  to  alt  respectable  causes  and  per- 
sons, for  one  hundred  dollars  a  night — which  is  the 
fee — to  deny  it  to  him  because  it  was  feared  that 
his  using  it  would  have  an  injurious  effect  on  the 
raising  of  money  for  the  new  church,  was  shame- 
ful in  the  extreme.  When  I  read  it  I  colored  till 
I  felt  my  blushes  in  my  boots  !  I  said  to  myself, 
'Thirteen  years  of  ministration  among  a  people, 
resulting,  in  the  thirteenth  year,  only  in  cowardice 
that  makes  them  afraid  to  let  a  man  stand  in  my 
place  and  speak  what  they  do  not  believe,  what 
they  fear  will  have  an  unfavorable  effect  on  the 
church,  or  what  will  have  an  unfavorable  effect  on 
me!' 

"There  is  not  a  more  moral  and  upright  man,  or 
a  more  perfect  gentleman  and  scholar,  in  the  Union. 
Though  I  do  not  accept  his  philosophy,  or  the  ap- 


106  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

plication  of  it,  I  am  proud  to  own  that  Wendell 
Phillips  is  my  personal  friend.  I  have  the  greatest 
admiration  for  the  man.  He  has  that  which  is 
brighter  than  any  gem  ever  worn  in  a  kingly  crown, 
namely,  moral  courage  to  proclaim,  and  perse- 
verance to  advocate,  what  he  thinks  to  be  true,  no 
matter  what  opposition  he  may  encounter. 

"  And  I  will  tell  you  one  thing,  if  you  expect  by 
any  such  prudent  course  as  that  to  get  money  to 
build  a  church,  I  do  not  want  it ;  I  do  not  want  a 
church  that  is  built  at  the  price  of  making  men 
hold  their  tongues. 

' '  I  see  it  is  reported  that  of  late  I  have  been  grow- 
ing moderate  ;  but  the  old  feeling  is  in  me  yet !  I 
am  as  warmly  in  favor  of  free  speech  as  ever  I  was. 
I  will  have  it  myself;  I  will  contend  for  it  for  others ; 
and  I  will  rebuke  that  cowardice  which  is  afraid  to 
let  a  man  speak  freely.  Manliness  requires  that 
you  should  allow  open  speech.  If  you  want  to 
meet  it,  meet  it  by  counter  speech. 

"  Now,  you  know  very  well  that  while  I  speak 
with  great  severity  and  emphasis,  I  do  not  speak 
with  hatred  or  anger,  but  because  I  abhor  cow- 
ardice— and  most  in  those  I  love.  I  did  not  sup- 
pose I  had  brought  up  a  church  or  congregation  to 
sin  in  that  way. 

"  One  thing  I  am  perfectly  settled  about,  and  that 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


107 


is  this  :  I  myself  shall  be  free,  and  every  one  who 
has  anything  to  do  with  me  shall  be  free  also,  if  I 
can  help  him  to  be  so.  And  if,  in  the  augmenta- 
tion of  our  church,  you  mean  that  there  shall  be 
circumspection  of  the  liberty  of  speech,  you  will 
not  have  my  cooperation  in  the  putting  up  of  a 
single  brick.  You  may  say  that  this  will  stand  in 
the  way  of  building.  Then  let  it !  I  do  not  care 
for  a  building  that  goes  up  on  that  foundation.  It 
would  be  like  an  old  temple  of  Egypt — great  and 
grand  in  outward  form,  but  full  of  dead  dust  inside. 
No ;  nothing  is  of  any  worth  that  does  not  carry 
with  it  the  vitality  of  the  liberty  of  the  sons  of 
God  in  the  expression  of  honest  convictions." 

Owing  to  the  reluctance  of  the  trustees  to  as- 
sume so  great  a  responsibility  until  the  amount  of 
subscriptions  should  justify  them  in  proceeding 
with  the  enterprise,  nothing  further  was  done  until 
the  next  annual  meeting  of  the  Society,  which  oc- 
curred January  10,  1861,  when  they  presented  a 
report,  stating  that  $70,000  had  been  subscribed, 
and  that  $40,000  had  been  offered  for  the  present 
church  property,  which  two  sums  amounted  to 
$110,000;  and  as  the  least  estimate  received  for 
the  cost  of  construction  of  the  proposed  building 
was  $225,000,  there  was  yet  a  deficit  of  $115,000; 
which,  added  to  the  present  indebtedness  of  the 


108  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

church  (about  $40,000*),  would  create  an  enor- 
mous debt. 

The  result  of  the  matter  was,  that  as  the  legality 
of  allowing  the  old  scrip  to  bear  the  same  relation 
to  the  new  as  to  the  old  church  was  questioned, 
and  as  there  was  still  considerable  dissatisfaction 
among  members  of  the  Society  in  reference  to 
the  site  chosen  and  purchased,  and  owing  also  to 
the  outbreak  of  civil  war  in  the  country,  and  the 
general  stagnation  of  business  on  that  account,  it 
was  determined  to  abandon  the  entire  project,  and 
dispose  of  the  Montague-street  property  as  advan- 
tageously as  possible.  Consequently,  after  three 
years'  possession  of  the  land  in  question,  during 
which  time  the  interest,  taxes,  and  other  expenses 
accruing  thereby  amounted  to  about  $3,000  per 
annum,  it  was  sold,  at  a  loss  of  $500  per  lot,  for 
$49,000.  The  total  loss  engendered  by  the  pro- 
jected enterprise  was  estimated,  at  the  time,  to  be 
between  $20,000  and  $25,000. 

*  Old  scrip. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH,  iqq 


CHAPTER  SEVENTH. 

Pew-rent  Record — John  Brown  reviewed — All  Insurrectionary 
Attempts  to  overthrow  Slavery  denounced — Contribution  Rec- 
ord— Rose  Ward — The  Slave  woman,  Sarah — Extracts  from 
Sermon  preached  during  the  Bombardment  of  Fort  Sumter. 

HE  many  furious  onslaughts  upon  Plymouth 
Church  and  pastor,  instead  of  having  their 
intended  effect,  seemed  rather  to  increase 
the  numbers  of  the  Society  and  its  general  pros- 
perity. If  any  proof  were  necessary  to  substanti- 
ate this  assertion  the  exhibit  of  the  pew-rent  record 
would  be  sufficient.  In  1853  (the  first  year  of 
which  a  record  was  kept),  the  recorded  amount 
was  $n,i57;  1854,  $11,729;  1855,  $12,053; 
1856,  $12,505;  1857,  $H,340;  1858,  $16,300; 
and  in  1859,  $26,052.*  During  the  latter  year  the 
pastor's  salary  was  raised  to  $7,500. 

No  little  success  had  attended  the  determined 
opposition  of  the  prominent  abolitionists — among 
whom  Mr.  Beecher  was  one  of  the  foremost — to 
National  vices ;   the   t  Fugitive   Slave    Law   had 

*  See  Chapter  Tenth,  corrected  and  complete  table  of  rents. 

f  The  Fugitive  Slave  Law  was  declared  Unconstitutional  by  the 
Superior  Court,  Feb.  3,  1855,  but  was  not  repealed  until  June  13, 
1864. 


II0  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

proved  but  a  "  rope  of  sand,"  and  the  Border 
Ruffians  had  ceased  from  their  attacks  upon  the 
Free-soilers  of  Kansas.  In  1859,  however,  oc- 
curred the  notorious  invasion  of  a  Slave  State  for 
the  avowed  purpose  of  liberating  its  slaves,  by 
John  Brown  and  his  associates ;  an  attempt, 
though  really  insignificant  from  a  numerical  point 
of  view,  which  aroused  and  embittered  the  entire 
South  against  the  North,  for  pro-slavery  men  there- 
upon naturally  concluded  that  Brown  was  secretly 
encouraged  and  abetted  by  the  abolitionists  of  the 
North.  The  erroneousness  of  this  conclusion  was 
clearly  demonstrated  in  a  *  sermon  entitled  "  The 
Nation's  Duty  to  Slavery,"  in  which  Brown's  entire 
career  was  reviewed,  and  from  which  some  ex- 
tracts are  here  presented  : 

1 '  An  old  man,  kind  at  heart,  industrious,  peaceful, 
went  forth,  with  a  large  family  of  children,  to  seek 
a  new  home  in  Kansas.  That  infant  colony  held 
thousands  of  souls  as  noble  as  ever  liberty  inspired 
or  religion  enriched.  A  great  scowling  Slave 
State,  its  nearest  neighbor,  sought  to  tread  down 
the  liberty-loving  colony,  and  to  dragoon  slavery 
into  it  by  force  of  arms.  The  armed  citizens  of  a 
hostile  State  crossed  the  State  lines,  destroyed  the 

*  Preached  Oct.  30,  1859,  while  John  Brown  was  a  prisoner 
await  in  ar  trial. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  m 

freedom  of  the  ballot-box,  prevented  a  fair  expres- 
sion of  public  sentiment,  corruptly  usurped  law- 
making power,  and  ordained  by  fraud  laws  as  in- 
famous as  the  sun  ever  saw ;  assaulted  its  infant 
settlements  with  armed  hordes,  ravaged  the  fields, 
destroyed  harvests  and  herds,  and  carried  death  to 
a  multitude  of  cabins.  The  United  States  Gov- 
ernment had  no  marines  for  this  occasion  !  No 
Federal  troops  posted  by  the  cars  by  night  and 
day  for  the  poor,  the  weak,  the  grossly-wronged 
men  of  Kansas.  There  was  an  army  there  that 
unfurled  the  banner  of  the  Union,  but  it  was  on 
the  side  of  the  wrong-doers,  not  on  the  side  of  the 
injured. 

'■'  It  was  in  this  field  that  Brown  received  his  im- 
pulses. A  tender  father,  whose  life  was  in  his 
son's  life,  he  saw  his  first-born  seized  like  a  felon, 
chained,  driven  across  the  country,  crazed  by  suf- 
fering and  heat,  beaten  like  a  dog  by  the  officer  in 
charge,  and  long  lying  at  death's  door  !  Another 
noble  boy,*  without  warning,  without  offence,  un- 
armed, in  open  day,  in  the  midst  of  the  city,  was 
shot  dead  !  No  justice  sought  out  the  murderers  ; 
no  United  States  attorney  was  despatched  in  hot 
haste  ;  no  marines  or  soldiers  aided  the  wronged 
or  weak ! 

*  Frederick  Brown,  shot  near  the  village  of  Osawatomie,  by  Rev. 
Martin  White,  Aug.  30,  1855. 


112  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

"The  shot  that  struck  the  child's  heart  crazed  the 
father's  brain.  Revolving  his  wrongs,  and  nursing 
his  hatred  to  that  deadly  system  that  breeds  such 
contempt  of  justice  and  humanity,  at  length  his 
phantoms  assume  a  slender  reality,  and  organize 
such  an  enterprise  as  one  might  expect  from  a  man 
whom  grief  had  bereft  of  judgment.  He  goes  to 
the  heart  of  a  Slave  State.  One  man — and  with 
sixteen  followers  ;  he  seizes  two  thousand  brave 
Virginians,  and  holds  them  in  duress  ! 

"  When  a  great  State  attacked  a  handful  of  weak 
colonists,  the  Government  and  nation  were  torpid, 
but  when  seventeen  men  attacked  a  sovereign 
State,  then  Maryland  arms,  and  Virginia  arms, 
and  the  United  States  Government  arms,  and  they 
three  rush  against  seventeen  men. 

1 '  Travellers  tell  us  that  the  Geysers  of  Iceland — 
those  irregular  boiling  springs  of  the  North — may 
be  transported  with  fury  by  plucking  up  a  handful 
of  grass  or  turf  and  throwing  it  into  the  springs. 
The  hot  springs  of  Virginia  are  of  the  same  kind  ! 
A  handful  of  men  was  thrown  into  them,  and 
what  a  boiling  there  has  been  ! 

"But,  meanwhile,  no  one  can  fail  to  see  that  this 
poor,  child-bereft  old  man  is  the  manliest  of  them 
all.  Bold,  unflinching,  honest,  without  deceit  or 
evasion,  refusing  to  take  technical  advantages  of 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


113 


any  sort,  but  openly  avowing  his  principles  and 
motives,  glorying  in  them  in  danger  and  death,  as 
much  as  when  in  security, — that  wounded  old 
father  is  the  most  remarkable  figure  in  the  whole 
drama.  The  Governor,  the  officers  of  the  State, 
and  all  the  attorneys  are  pigmies  compared  with 
him. 

M  I  deplore  his  misfortunes.  I  sympathize  with 
his  sorrows.  I  mourn  the  hiding  or  obscuration 
of  his  reason.  I  disapprove  of  his  mad  and  feeble 
schemes.  I  shrink  from  the  folly  of  the  bloody 
foray,  and  I  shrink  likewise  from  all  anticipation  of 
that  judicial  bloodshed  which  doubtless  ere  long 
will  follow ;  for  when  was  cowardice  ever  magnan- 
imous ? 

"If they  kill  the  man,  it  will  not  be  so  much  for 
treason  as  for  the  disclosure  of  their  cowardice  ! 

"  Let  no  man  pray  that  Brown  be  spared.  Let 
Virginia  make  him  a  martyr.  Now,  he  has  only 
blundered.  His  soul  was  noble,  his  work  miser- 
able. But  a  cord  and  a  gibbet  would  redeem  all 
that,  and  round  up  Brown's  failure  with  heroic 
success." 

"Because  it  [slavery]  is  a  great  sin,  because  it  is 
a  national  curse,  it  does  not  follow  that  we  have  a 
right  to  say  anything  or  do  anything  about  it  that 


U4  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

may  happen  to  please  us.  We  certainly  have  no 
right  to  attack  it  in  any  manner  that  may  gratify 
men's  fancies  or  passions.  It  is  computed  that 
there  are  four  million  colored  slaves  in  our  nation. 
These  dwell  in  fifteen  different  Southern  States, 
with  a  population  of  ten  million  whites.  These 
sovereign  States  are  united  to  us  not  merely  by 
federal  ligaments,  but  by  vital  interests,  by  a  com- 
mon national  life.  And  the  question  of  duty  is 
not  simply  what  is  duty  toward  the  blacks,  not 
what  is  duty  toward  the  whites,  but  what  is  duty 
to  each  and  to  both  united.  I  am  bound  by  the 
great  law  of  love  to  consider  my  duties  toward  the 
slave,  and  I  am  bound  by  the  great  law  of  love 
also  to  consider  my  duties  toward  the  white  man, 
who  is  his  master !     Both  are  to  be  treated  with 

Christian  wisdom  and  forbearance 

.     .     .     We   must   keep  in  mind  the  interest  of 

every  part It  is  harder  to  define 

what  would  be  just  in  certain  emergencies  than  to 
establish  the  duty,  claims,  and  authority  of  justice. 

We  have  no  right  to  treat  the 

citizens  of  the  South  with  acrimony  or  bitterness, 
because  they  are  involved  in  a  system  of  wrong- 
doing. Wrong  is  to  be  exposed.  But  the  spirit 
of  rebuke  may  be  as  wicked  before  God  as  the 
spirit  of  the  evil  rebuked 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


"5 


If  we  hope  to  ameliorate  the  condition  of  the  slave, 
the  first  step  must  not  be  taken  by  setting  the 
master  against  him.  ...... 

"The  breeding  of  discontent  among  the  bond- 
men of  our  land  is  not  the  way  to  help  them. 
Whatever  gloomy  thoughts  the  slave's  own  mind 
may  brood,  we  are  not  to  carry  disquiet  to  him 

from  without 

The  evil  is  not  partial.  It  cannot  be  cured  by  par- 
tial remedies.  Our  plans  must  include  a  universal 
change  in  policy,  feeling,  purpose,  theory,  and 
practice  in  the  whole  nation 

"  No  relief  will  be  afforded  to  the  slaves  of  the 
South,  as  a  body,  by  any  individual ;  or  by  any 
organized  plan  to  carry  them  off,  or  to  incite  them 
to  abscond 

"  We  have  no  right  to  carry  into  the  midst  of 
slavery  exterior  discontent.  .  .  .  It  is  short- 
sighted humanity,  at  best,  and  poor  policy  for 
both  blacks  and  whites 

"  Still  less  would  we  tolerate  anything  like  in- 
surrection and  servile  war.  It  would  be  the  most 
cruel,  hopeless,  and  desperate  of  all  conceivable 
follies  to  seek  emancipation  by  the  sword  and  by 
blood .     ." 

For  many    years  various   newspapers   had    re- 


Il6  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

ported  the  sermons  preached  from  Plymouth  pul- 
pit, but  their  rendition  of  the  pastor's  words  was 
generally,  either  intentionally  or  unintentionally, 
garbled,  and  in  1859  Mr.  Beecher  appointed  T.  J. 
Ellinwood  as  the  only  authorized  stenographer  of 
his  utterances  ;  and  from  that  time  Mr.  Ellinwood's 
table  has  been  a  portion  of  the  church  furniture. 

This  church  has  always  been  noted  for  liberal 
contributions  to  deserving  charities.  In  1850  (the 
first  year  any  record  of  contributions  was  kept) 
there  was  donated  to  various  causes  $1,873;  1851, 
$2,777;  1852,  $1,815;  1853,  $4,339;  1854, 
$4,975;  1855,  $5,895;  1856,  no  record;  1857, 
$6,050;  1858, $4,857;  1859,  $6,099;  total  amount, 
$38,671,  which  with  the  addition  of  $1,302,  the 
amount  of  Sunday-school  collections  from  1851, 
would  give  a  grand  total  of  $39,973- 

In  February,  i860,  Rev.  Bishop  Faulkner,*  re- 
turning home  from  Washington,  D.C.,  brought 
with  him,  by  her  owner's  permission,  an  intelli- 
gent-looking mulatto  girl  of  about  ten  years  of  age. 
She  was  valued  by  her  master  at  $900,  and  Rev. 
Mr.  Faulkner,  having  become  interested*  in  her 
behalf,  determined  to  raise  that  amount  and  pur- 
chase her  freedom  if  possible.     He  accordingly  in- 

*  Then  a  member  of  Plymouth  Church  ;  now  pastor  of  Roches- 
ter Avenue  Congregational  Church. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


117 


formed  the  Plymouth  pastor  of  the  circumstances, 
and  introduced  the  little  slave  girl  to  him.  On 
Sunday,  February  5th  (i860),  she  accompanied 
Mr.  Beecher  to  church,  and  was  placed  by  his  side 
in  the  pulpit.  Mr.  Beecher  presented  her  to  the 
congregation,  stated  the  facts  of  the  case,  and 
asked  for  a  contribution  sufficient  to  effect  her 
purchase.  Among  the  audience  was  a  lady  named 
Rose  Terry,  who,  when  the  contribution-box  was 
passed  to  her,  drew  a  ring  from  her  finger  and 
dropped  it  in  ;  the  pastor  placed  this  ring  upon 
one  of  the  slave  girl's  fingers,  and,  telling  her  it  was 
her  freedom  ring,  named  her  *  Rose  Ward,  after 
the  donor  of  the  ring,  and  himself.  The  amount 
contributed  that  morning,  together  with  a  collec- 
tion taken  up  in  Sunday-school  that  afternoon, 
was  $1,000. 

A  similar  instance  of  the  sympathy  and  gener- 
osity of  the  Plymouth  congregation  occurred  on 
Sunday,  June  1,  1861.  A  young  slave  woman, 
twenty  years  of  age,  named  Sarah,  having  been 
informed  by  her  owner  that  if  she  could  raise 
$800  among  her  abolition  friends,  he  would  accept 
of  it  and  free  her,  had  made  the  fact  known  to 
several  anti-slavery   men  in   Washington.     They 

*  Rose  Ward  is  being  educated  at  the  Howard  University  by 
Plymouth  Society. 


I  1 8  PL  YMOUTH  CHURCH. 

pledged  her  owner  either  her  safe  return  or  the 
required  sum,  and  he  allowed  them  to  take  her  to 
the  North.  They  acquainted  Mr.  Beecherwith  her 
story.  At  the  close  of  the  morning  services  of  the 
day  mentioned,  he  called  her  to  the  platform  for  the 
purpose  of  showing  to  the  congregation  a  "  living 
slave  woman."  He  then  explained  her  case,  and 
appealed  to  them  to  save  her  from  slavery.  $500 
was  requisite  to  complete  the  $800 ;  and  when  it 
was  announced  that  the  collection  was  $800,  ex- 
clusive of  considerable  jewelry,  the  congregation 
expressed  their  joy  by  tremendous  applause. 

When  the  booming  of  rebel  cannon  in  Charleston 
Harbor  resounded  throughout  the  country,  prov- 
ing that  the  threats  of  armed  disunion  had  not 
been — as  was  supposed — those  of  mere  braggado- 
cio, and  that  all  predictions  of  peaceful  settlement 
of  existing  difficulties  were  but  hopeless  dreams  ; 
when  many  of  the  greatest  minds  of  the  North — 
almost  staggered  by  the  unexpected  blow — were 
wavering  in  opinion  whether  to  maintain  the 
Union  at  all  hazards,  or  "let  the  wayward  sisters 
go  in  peace," — then  was  the  voice  of  Plymouth 
Church  again  heard  throughout  the  land,  fearlessly 
denouncing  the  actions  of  the  secessionists,  and 
urging  energetic  and  decisive  measures  on  the  part 
of  the  Administration,  crying  : 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


119 


*  u  We  must  not  stop  to  measure  costs — espe- 
cially the  costs  of  going  forward — on  any  basis  so 
mean  and  narrow  as  that  of  pecuniary  prosperity. 

There  are  many  reasons  which  make  a 

good  and  thorough  battle  necessary.  The  South- 
ern men  are  infatuated.  They  will  not  have 
peace.  They  are  in  arms.  They  have  fired  upon 
the  American  flag.  That  glorious  banner  has 
been  borne  through  every  climate,  all  over  the 
globe,  and  for  fifty  years  not  a  land  or  people  has 
been  found  to  scorn  it  or  dishonor  it.  At  home, 
among  the  degenerate  people  of  our  own  land, 
among  Southern  citizens,  for  the  first  time,  has 
this  glorious  national  flag  been  abused,  and  tram- 
pled to  the  ground.  It  is  for  our  sons  reverently 
to  lift  it,  and  to  bear  it  full  high  again,  to  victory 
and  national  supremacy  !  Our  arms,  in  this  pecu- 
liar exigency,  can  lay  the  foundation  of  future 
union  in  mutual  respect.  The  South  firmly  be- 
lieves that  cowardice  is  the  universal  attribute  of 
Northern  men  !  Until  they  are  most  thoroughly 
convinced  to  the  contrary,  they  will  never  cease 

arrogancy  and  aggression Good  soldiers, 

brave  men,  hard  fighting,  will  do  more  towards 
quiet  than  all  the  compromises,  and  empty,  wag- 

*  Sermon  preached  April  14,   1861,  during  the  siege  of   Fort 
Sumter. 


120  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

ging  tongues  in  the  world.  Our  reluctance  to 
break  peace,  our  unwillingness  to  shed  blood,  our 
patience,  have  all  been  misinterpreted.  The  more 
we  have  been  generous  and  forbearing,  the  more 
thoroughly  were  they  sure  that  it  was  because  we 
dared  not  fight ! 

"We  have  no  braggart  courage;  we  have  no 
courage  that  rushes  into  an  affray  for  the  love  of 
fighting.  We  have  that  courage  which  comes 
from  calm  intelligence.  We  have  that  courage 
which  comes  from  broad  moral  sentiment. 

"We  have  no  anger,  but  we  have  indignation. 
We  have  no  irritable  passion,  but  we  have  fixed 
will 

"  We  must  aim  at  a  peace  built  on  foundations  so 
solid,  of  God's  immutable  truth,  that  nothing  can 
reach  to  unsettle  it.  Let  this  conflict  between  lib- 
erty and  slavery  never  come  up  again.  Better 
have  it  thoroughly  settled,  though  it  take  a  score 
of  years  to  settle  it,  than  to  have  an  intermittent 
fever  for  the  next  century,  breaking  out  every  five 
or  ten  years 

"Let  not  our  feelings  be  vengeful  or  savage. 
We  can  go  into  this  conflict  with  a  spirit  just  as 
truly  Christian  as  any  that  ever  inspired  us  in  the 
performance  of  a  Christian  duty. 

"  Let  no  man,  then,  in  this  time  of  peril,  fail  to 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  I2i 

associate  himself  with  that  cause,  which  is  to  be  so 

entirely  glorious Let  every  man  that 

lives  and  owns  himself  an  American,  take  the  side 
of  true  American  principles — liberty  for  one,  and 
liberty  for  all ;  liberty  now,  and  liberty  forever ; 
liberty  as  the  foundation  of  government,  and  lib- 
erty as  the  basis  of  union  ;  liberty  as  against  revo- 
lution, liberty  against  anarchy,  and  liberty  against 
slavery  ;  liberty  here,  and  liberty  everywhere,  the 

world  through  \n 

6 


122  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


CHAPTER  EIGHTH. 

The  First  Long  Island  and  the  Brooklyn  Fourteenth  Regiments — 
The  National  Flag — Every  Citizen's  Duty  toward  it,  in  its  Hour 
of  Peril— Sunday-school  Matters — The  New  Lecture  and  Sunday- 
school  Building — Encampment  of  a  Maine  Regiment  in  the  Church 
— Beecher  in  Europe— Sumter  Party— Scene  in  Plymouth  Church 
the  Sabbath  after  Lincoln's  Assassination. 

HROUGHOUT  the  Rebellion,  Plymouth 
pastor  and  congregation  continued 
zealous  in  their  support  of  the  Union 
cause  ;  not  only  in  a  pecuniary  way,  but  nobly 
sending  forth  sons  and  daughters  to  uphold  the 
nation's  honor  on  the  field  of  battle  and  in  the  hos- 
pital. 

The  First  Long  Island  (Infantry)  Regiment,  known 
as  the  "  Brooklyn  Phalanx,"  and  among  whom 
were  many  members  of  the  church,  was  raised  and 
equipped  at  the  expense  of  Plymouth  Church,  and, 
during  the  war,  the  pastor  often  visited  their  camp 
and  preached  to  them.  One  of  Mr.  Beecher's  sons 
was  an  officer  in  one  of  the  companies  of  this  regi- 
ment. Two  companies  of  the  Brooklyn  Four- 
teenth  were   also   composed    almost   entirely    of 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


123 


Plymouthites  ;  and  the  congregation  contributed 
$3,000  to  aid  in  the  equipment  of  the  regiment  after 
one  of  the  pastor's  most  eloquent  discourses,  en- 
titled "  The  National  Flag,"  one  Sabbath  in  April, 
1 861.  This  sermon  was  delivered  especially  to  the 
two  companies  mentioned,  but  its  national  charac- 
ter and  its  peculiarly  national  subject  particularly 
merit  the  reproduction  of  portions  of  it  at  least. 

"  A  thoughtful  mind,  when  it  sees  a  nation's  flag, 
sees  not  the  flag,  but  the  nation  itself.  And  what- 
ever may  be  its  symbols,  its  insignia,  he  reads 
chiefly  in  the  flag,  the  government,  the  principles, 
the  truths,  the  history  that  belong  to  the  nation 
that  sets  it  forth.         .         .         .         .         . 

"This  nation  has  a  banner,  too;  and  until  re- 
cently, wherever  it  streamed  abroad,  men  saw  day- 
break bursting  on  their  eyes.  For  until  lately  the 
American  flag  has  been  a  symbol  of  Liberty,  and 
men  rejoiced  in  it.  Not  another  flag  on  the  globe 
had  such  an  errand,  or  went  forth  upon  the  sea, 
carrying  everywhere,  the  world  around,  such  hope 
to  the  captive,  and  such  glorious  tidings.  The 
stars  upon  it  were  to  the  pining  nations  like  the 
bright  morning-stars  of  God,  and  the  stripes  upon 
it  were  beams  of  morning  light.  As  at  early  dawn 
the  stars  shine  forth  even  while  it  grows  light,  and 


124  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

then  as  the    sun    advances  that  light  breaks  into 
banks  and   streaming  lines  of  color,  the  glowing 
red  and  intense  white  striving  together,  and  rib- 
bing  the  horizon  with  bars  effulgent,  so,  on  the 
American  flag,  stars  and  beams  of  many-colored 
light  shine  out  together.         ..... 

It  is  the  banner  of  Dawn.     It  means  Liberty.  .  .  . 

.  .  .  Beginning  with  the  Colonies,  and  coming 
down  to  our  time,  in  its  sacred  heraldry,  in  its 
glorious  insignia,  it  has  gathered  and  stored  chiefly 
this  supreme  idea  :  Divine  right  of  liberty  in  man. 

1 '  And  displayed  it  shall  be.  Advanced  full  against 
the  morning  light,  and  borne  with  the  growing  and 
glowing  day,  it  shall  take  the  last  ruddy  beams  of 
the  night,  and  from  the  Atlantic  wave,  clear  across 
with  eagle  flight  to  the  Pacific,  that  banner  shall 
float,  meaning  all  the  liberty  which  it  has  ever 
meant !  From  the  North,  where  snows  and  moun- 
tain-ice stand  solitary,  clear  to  the  glowing  tropics 
and  the  Gulf,  that  banner  that  has  hitherto  waved 
shall  wave  and  wave  forever, — every  star,  every 
band,  every  thread  and  fold  significant  of  Lib- 
erty!    (*Great  applause.)         .... 

*  The  pastor  improved  this  occasion  by  expressing  his  views  upon 
applause  in  churches  on  the  Sabbath  day  : 

"  I  do  not  doubt  your  patriotism.     I  know  it  is  hard  for  men 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  12$ 

"  How  glorious,  then,  has  been  its  origin  !    How 
glorious  has  been   its   history !     How   divine   its 
meaning !....... 

.  .  .  made  by  liberty,  made  for  liberty,  nourished 
in  its  spirit,  carried  in  its  service,  and  never,  not 
once  in  all  the  earth,  made  to  stoop  to  despot- 
ism ! 

M  And  now  this  banner  has  been  put  on  trial !  It 
has  been  condemned.  For  what  ?  Has  it  failed 
of  duty  ?  Has  liberty  lost  color  by  it  ?  Have 
moths  of  oppression  eaten  its  folds  ?  Has  it  re- 
fused to  shine  on  freemen  and  given  its  light  to 
despots  ?  No.  It  has  been  true,  brave,  loyal. 
It  has  become  too  much  a  banner  of  liberty  for  men 
who  mean  and  plot  despotism.  Remember,  citi- 
zen !  remember,  Christian  soldier  !  the  American 
flag  has  been  fired  upon  by  Americans,  and  trod- 
den down  because  it  stood  in  the  way  of  slavery  ! 


Chat  are  full  of  feeling  not  to  give  expression  to  it ;  yet  excuse  me  if 
I  request  you  to  refrain  from  demonstrations  of  applause  while  I 
am  speaking.  It  is  not  because  I  think  Sunday  too  good  a  day,  nor 
the  church  too  holy  a  place  for  patriotic  Christian  men  to  express 
their  feelings  at  such  a  time  as  this,  and  in  behalf  of  such  sentiments, 
but  because  by  too  frequent  repetition  applause  becomes  stale  and 
common,  that  I  make  this  request.  Besides,  outward  expression  is 
not  our  way.  We. are  rather  of  a  silent  stock.  We  let  our  feelings 
work  inwardly,  so  that  they  may  have  deeper  channels  and  fuller 
floods." 


126  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

"  And  now  God  speaks  by  the  voice  of  His  provi- 
dence, saying,  '  Lift  again  that  banner  !  Advance 
it  full  and  high !  '  To  your  hand,  and  to  yours, 
God  and  your  country  commit  that  imperishable 
trust.  You  go  forth  self-called,  or  rather  called  by 
the  trust  of  your  countrymen,  and  by  the  Spirit  of 
your  God,  to  take  that  trailing  banner  out  of  the 
dust  and  out  of  the  mire,  and  lift  it  again  where 
God's  rains  can  cleanse  it,  and  where  God's  free  air 
can  cause  it  to  unfold  and  stream  as  it  has  always 
floated  before  the  wind.  God  bless  the  men  that 
go  forth  to  save  from  disgrace  the  American  flag  ! 

"  Nor  is  it  enough  that  that  banner  shall  stand 
and  merely  reassert  its  authority.  It  is  time  now 
that  that  banner  shall  do  as  much  for  each  man  in 
our  own  country  as  it  will  in  every  other  land  on 
the  globe.         ....... 

"  You  go  to  serve  your  country  in  the  cause  of 
liberty  ;  and  if  God  brings  you  into  conflict  ere- 
long with  those  misguided  men  of  the  South,  when 
you  see  their  miserable,  new-vamped  banner,  re- 
member what  that  flag  means, — Treason,  Slavery, 
Despotism  ;  then  look  up  and  see  the  bright  stars 
and  the  glorious  stripes  over  your  own  head,  and 
read  in  them  Liberty,  Liberty,  Liberty  ! 

"  And  if  you  fall  in  that  struggle,  may  some 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


127 


kind  hand  wrap  around  about  you  the  flag  of  your 
country,  and  may  you  die  with  its  sacred  touch 
upon  you  !  It  shall  be  sweet  to  go.  to  rest  lying 
in  the  folds  of  your  country's  banner,  meaning,  as 
it  shall  mean,  '  Liberty  and  Union,  now  and  for- 
ever-'  " 

The  rapid  and  continuous  growth  of  the  Sunday- 
school  *  had  necessitated  the  addition  of  the  social 
circle  parlors  t  in  1859,  but  in  1862  the  room  was 
still  too  small,  and  many  children  of  the  congrega- 
tion were  obliged  to  attend  other  schools  on  that 
account.  A  new  building,  which  should  entirely 
occupy  the  church  property  on  Cranberry  street — 
thereby  enlarging  the  lecture-room  as  well  as  the 
Sunday-school  room — was  proposed,  and  princi- 
pally through  the  untiring  energy  and  persuasive 

*  The  expenses  of  the  school  were  defrayed  in  part  by  the  teachers, 
and  in  part  by  subscriptions  and  collections  in  the  church,  until 
January,  i860,  when  they  were  assumed  by  the  Society,  which  has 
ever  since  provided  for  them  out  of  its  current  receipts. — Plymouth 
Church  Manual. 

f  The  original  design — which  design  is  said  to  have  been  original 
with  Plymouth  Church — of  these  rooms  had  been  the  furtherance  of 
social  intercourse,  and  the  promotion  of  a  family  feeling  among  the 
members  of  the  Society,  and  thus  remove  many  of  the  formal  barriers 
— existing  in  churches  of  all  cities — which  often  prevent  new  members 
from  becoming  acquainted  with  their  Christian  brethren.  But,  not- 
withstanding the  endeavors  of  the  pastor  and  some  others,  cliques 
were  soon  formed,  and  thereafter  there  was  ever  a  lack  of  that  har- 
mony and  good-fellowship  which  alone  renders  such  undertakings 
successful. 


128  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

powers  of  Mr.  George  A.  Bell  *  subscriptions  were 
obtained  for  an  amount,  $10,800,  which  ensured  the 
erection  of  the  building  without  increasing  the  is- 
sue of  church  scrip.  The  improvements  were  com- 
menced in  the  spring  of  1862,  and  the  new  building 
was  opened  for  religious  services  November  16th, 
the  same  year. 

The  new  lecture-room  was  of  sufficient  capacity 
to  comfortably  seat  seven  hundred  persons ;  the 
parlors  were  separated  from  the  lecture-room  by  slid- 
ing glass  doors — thus  making  a  still  further  enlarge- 
ment possible  when  necessary.  The  Sunday-school 
room,  which  occupied  the  entire  second  floor,  ac- 
commodated over  one  thousand  children,  exclusive 
of  the  Infant  and  Bible  Class  Divisions. t  Several 
members  of  the  Society  donated  funds  to  the 
amount  of  $1,050,  and  a  small  but  fine-toned  or- 
gan was  purchased.  Mr.  Henry  Whitney,  at  the 
invitation  of  Mr.  Bell,  contributed  his  services  as 
organist.  The  room  was  also  decorated  with  a 
beautiful  fountain.  \ 

The  first  use  the  new  church  parlors  were  de- 


*  George  A.  Bell  succeeded  Henry  E.  Morrill  as  Sunday-school 
Superintendent  in  January,  1861. 

f  In  1864  the  gallery,  which  occupied  only  one  side  of  the  room, 
was  extended  for  the  benefit  of  Bible  Classes  and  strangers. 

%  Removed  in  1870  to  make  room  for  scholars. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  J2g 

voted  to  was  as  noble  as  it  was  novel.  One 
cheerless  rainy  evening,  in  the  autumn  of  1862,  a 
Maine  Volunteer  regiment  arrived  in  Brooklyn  on 
its  way  to  the  front.  No  accommodations  could 
be  secured  for  them,  as  the  barracks  in  the  vicinity 
were  already  filled.  The  Plymouth  pastor  hearing 
of  the  fact,  immediately  visited  their  Colonel,  and 
told  him  to  march  his  men  direct  to  Plymouth 
Church :  the  sexton  was  duly  notified,  the  doors 
were  thrown  open,  and  the  weary  soldiers  filed  in. 
For  two  nights  they  slept  on  the  cushioned  seats 
of  Plymouth  Church,  and  when  they  left  the  city 
for  Washington,  some  of  the  younger  soldiers, 
who  had  fallen  ill  with  colds  and  fevers,  were  left 
behind  and  removed  to  the  parlors,  where  they 
remained  for  four  weeks,  attended  by  surgeons. 
The  parlors  having  been  thus  initiated,  a  sewing 
society  was  formed  by  the  ladies  of  the  church, 
for  the  purpose  of  supplying  the  soldiers  with 
various  necessary  articles,  hospital  stores,  and 
making  clothes  for  the  destitute  freedmen  of  the 
South.  Since  the  war  the  sewing-circle  has  been 
continued  in  aid  of  the  poor  of  the  church,  during 
the  winter  months  ;  and  at  different  periods  of  each 
year  the  parlors  have  been  turned  into  a  labor 
educational  institution,  wherein  the  children  of 
the  poor  have  been  instructed  in  sewing,  both  by 


130  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

hand  and  machine,  so  that  it  may  be  said,  since 
the  natural  death  of  the  social  circle,  the  parlors 
have  been  devoted  to  more  practical,  if  not  more 
praiseworthy  uses. 

In  June,  1863,  the  health  of  the  pastor,  which 
his  many  duties  had  overtasked,  seemed  about  to 
give  way,  and  his  voice  threatened  failing  him  alto- 
gether, and  the  Society  besought  him  to  visit 
Europe  for  recuperation.  He  consented,  and  re- 
turned in  November.  It  was  during  this  visit  he 
made  the  celebrated  speeches  in  Liverpool,  Glas- 
gow, Edinburgh,  Manchester,  and  London,  in  de- 
fence of  the  war  policy  of  the  North,  which  so 
increased  his  popularity  at  home  and  abroad.  He 
did  not  visit  England  for  the  purpose  of  address- 
ing the  people  in  behalf  of  the  North,  as  has  been 
often  stated,  and  it  was  not  until  he  had  been 
earnestly  urged  so  to  do,  and  had  twice  declined, 
that  he  acceded  to  the  many  requests,  and  opened 
the  campaign  in  Free  Trade  Hall,  Manchester, 
October  9  (1863).  At  Liverpool  occurred  his 
greatest  struggle.  Said  he  afterward,  describing 
it :  *  "  I  had  to  speak  extempore  on  subjects  the 
most  delicate  and  difficult  as  between  our  two  na- 
tions, when  even  the  shading  of  my  words  was  of 
importance  ;  yet  I  had  to  outscream  a  mob  and 

*  Men  of  our  Times.     H.  B.  Stowe. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  j^i 

drown  the  roar  of  a  multitude.  It  was  like  driv- 
ing a  team  of  runaway  horses  and  making  love  to 
a  lady  at  the  same  time." 

When  he  returned  to  America  he  was  enthusi- 
astically welcomed,  and  from  that  time  many  who, 
owing  to  political  differences,  had  been  his  bitter- 
est enemies,  have  ever  been  among  his  warmest 
friends  and  greatest  admirers. 

April  1 2th,  1865,  was  the  fourth  anniversary  of 
the  surrender  of  Fort  Sumter,  Charleston  Harbor, 
by  Major  Robert  Anderson  to  the  rebels,  and,  as 
war  was  virtually  at  an  end,  it  was  on  that  day 
that  it  was  determined  to  raise  again  over  the  fa- 
mous fortress  the  identical  flag  that  four  years  pre- 
vious had  been  lowered  in  disgrace.  Some  of  the 
old-time  abolitionists  were  to  be  present,  and 
many  of  the  Plymouth  congregation  were  among 
the  assembly.  Mr.  Beecher  had  been  invited  to 
deliver  an  address  upon  the  ruins  of  Sumter  on 
the  eventful  day,  and  did  so.  On  their  arrival  at 
Fortress  Monroe,  returning  home,  the  hearts  of 
the  happy  party  were  doomed  to  be  stricken  with 
grief  and  horror  by  the  terrible  and  almost  incred- 
ible tidings  of  the  assassination  of  Abraham  Lincoln 
by  John  Wilkes  Booth.  At  no  other  time,  prob- 
ably, throughout  Mr.  Lincoln's  administration 
could  his   assassination — though    at   any   time   it 


132  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

would  have  been  as  lamentable — have  produced 
such  an  effect  upon  the  hearts  and  minds  of  the 
people  of  the  nation,  South  as  well  as  North.  On 
the  following  Sabbath  morning,  April  24  (1865), 
thousands  of  people  flocked  to  Plymouth  Church  to 
hear  Mr.  Beecher's  sermon  on  the  late  President 
whom  he  so  loved,  and  for  whose  re-election  he 
had  so  earnestly  labored — delivering  the  eloquent 
Sunday-evening  political  discourses  during  the 
previous  autumn.  Among  the  many  of  that  Sab- 
bath morning's  assemblage,  was  one,  whose  de- 
scription of  it  was  so  perfect  that  it  is  here  repro- 
duced : 

"  Presently  the  seats  were  all  full.  The  multi- 
tude seemed  to  be  solid  above  and  below,  but  still 
the  new-comers  tried  to  press  in.  The  platform 
was  fringed  by  the  legs  of  those  who  had  been  so 
lucky  as  to  find  seats  there.  There  was  loud  talk- 
ing and  scuffling,  and  even  occasionally  a  little  cry 
at  the  doors.  One  boy  struggled  desperately  in 
the  crowd  for  his  life,  or  breath.  The  ushers, 
courteous  to  the  last,  smiled  pitifully  upon  their 
own  efforts  to  put  ten  gallons  into  a  pint  pot.  As 
the  hour  of  service  approached,  a  small  door  under 
the  choir  and  immediately  behind  the  mahogany 
desk  upon  the  platform  opened  quietly,  and  Mr. 
Beecher  entered.     He  stood  looking  at  the  crowd 


I 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  ^3 

for  a  little  time,  without  taking  off  his  outer  coat, 
then  advanced  to  the  edge  of  the  platform  and 
gave  some  directions  about  seats.  He  indicated 
with  his  Ijands  that  the  people  should  pack  more 
closely.  The  ushers  evidently  pleaded  for  the 
pew-holders  who  had  not  arrived ;  but  the  preacher 
replied  that  they  could  not  get  in,  and  the  seats 
should  be  filled  that  the  service  might  proceed  in 
silence.  He  turned  and  opened  the  door.  Then 
he  removed  his  coat,  sat  down,  and  opened  the 
hymn-book,  while  the  organ  played.  The  impa- 
tient people  meantime  had  climbed  up  to  the  win- 
dow-sills from  the  outside,  and  the  great  white 
church  was  like  a  hive,  with  the  swarming  bees 
hanging  in  clusters  upon  the  outside. 

"The  service  began  with  an  invocation.  It  was 
followed  by  a  hymn,  by  the  reading  of  a  chapter 
in  the  Bible,  and  a  prayer.  The  congregation 
joined  in  singing ;  and  the  organ,  skilfully  and 
firmly  played,  prevented  the  lagging  which  usually 
spoils  congregational  singing.  The  effect  was 
imposing.  The  vast  volume  filled  the  building 
with  solid  sound.  It  poured  out  at  the  open  win- 
dows and  filled  the  still  morning  air  of  the  city 
with  solemn  melody.  Far  upon  every  side,  those 
who  sat  at  home  in  solitary  chambers  heard  the 
great  voice  of  praise.     Then  amidst  the  hush  of 


134  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

the  vast  multitude,  the  preacher,  overpowered  by 
emotion,  prayed  fervently  for  the  stricken  family 
and  the  bereaved  nation.  There  was  more  sing- 
ing, before  which  Mr.  Beecher  appealed  to  those 
who  were  sitting  to  sit  closer,  and  for  once  to  be 
incommoded,  that  some  more  of  the  crowd  might 
get  in,  and  as  the  wind  blew  freshly  from  the  open 
windows,  he  reminded  the  audience  that  a  handker- 
chief laid  upon  the  head  would  prevent  the  sensi- 
tive from  taking  cold.  Then  opening  the  Bible, 
he  read  the  story  of  Moses  going  up  to  Pisgah,  and 
took  the  verses  for  his  text. 

"  The  sermon  was  written,  and  he  read  calmly 
from  the  manuscript.  Yet  at  times,  rising  upon 
the  flood  of  feeling,  he  shot  out  a  solemn  adjura- 
tion, or  asserted  an  opinion  with  a  fiery  emphasis 
that  electrified  the  audience  into  applause.  His 
action  was  intense,  but  not  dramatic  ;  and  the  de- 
meanor of  the  preacher  was  subdued  and  sorrowful. 
He  did  not  attempt  to  speak  in  detail  of  the  Presi- 
dent's character  or  career.  He  drew  the  bold  out- 
line in  a  few  words,  and  leaving  that  task  to  a  calmer 
and  fitter  moment,  spoke  of  the  lessons  of  the  hour. 
The  way  of  his  death  was  not  to  be  deplored :  the 
crime  itself  revealed  to  the  dullest  the  ghastly 
nature  of  slavery  ;  it  was  a  blow,  not  at  a  man, 
but  at  the  people  and  their  government;  it  had 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  i$$ 

utterly  failed  ;  and,  finally,  though  dead,  the  good 
man  yet  speaketh.  The  discourse  was  brief,  fitting, 
forcible,  and  tender  with  emotion.  It  was  a  manly 
sorrow  and  sympathy  that  cast  its  spell  upon  the 
great  audience,  and  it  was  good  to  be  there. 
When  words  have  a  man  behind  them,  Emerson 
says,  they  are  not  to  be  forgotten. 

"  There  was  another  hymn,  a  peal  of  pious  tri- 
umph, which  poured  out  of  the  heart  of  the  congre- 
gation, and  seemed  to  lift  us  all  up,  up  into  the 
sparkling,  serene,  inscrutable  heaven."  * 

The  pew-rent  record t  from  1 859-1 860,  $28,052  ; 
1861,  $28,750;  1862,  $18,100;  1863,  $23,396; 
1864,  $31,000;  1865,  $39,000;  1866,  $42,782; 
1867,  $49,000; — manifested  a  constantly  increas- 
ing interest  in  the  church  and  pastor.  With  the 
increase  of  the  church  income,  the  outgo  in  aid 
of  all  benevolent  objects  also  augmented  ;  i860, 
$9,233;  1861,  $11,680;  1862,  $17,500;  1863,  no 
record;     1864,    $9,630;     1865,    $10,855;     1866, 

$19,531. 

Much  of  the  church  scrip,  issued  in  1849,  owing 
to  a  depreciation  in  value  from  the  supposition 
that  it  would  never  be  redeemed,  had  passed  out 
of  first  hands — some  having  been  sold  for  twenty- 

*  Editor's  Easy  Chair,  Harper's  Monthly,  June,  1865. 
\  See  Chapter  Tenth,  corrected  pew-rent  report. 


136  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

five  cents  on  the  dollar,  and  some  for  even  less. 
The  payment  of  this  scrip  had  been  based  on  the 
condition,  u  that  when  the  income  from  the  church 
property,  in  any  one  year,  shall  exceed  the  current 
liabilities  thereof,  to  the  amount  of  ten  per  cent, 
or  more,  the  trustees  shall  divide  that  amount 
among  the  scrip-holders;"  accordingly,  in  1865, 
twenty-five  per  cent,  was  paid  ofT,  the  old  scrip 
cancelled,  and  new  certificates  issued  for  the  bal- 
ance, which  was  paid  in  full  in  1867. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  137 


CHAPTER  NINTH. 

First  Organist  of  Plymouth  Church— John  Zundel— F.  F.  Miil- 
ler — The  Great  Organ — Organ  Concerts — Henry  Camp — The 
Quartette  and  Choir. 


HE  first  organist  of  Plymouth  Church  was  a 
Mr.  Messinger.  He  remained  only  a  few 
months,  and  was  followed  by  Mr.  S.  La- 
sar,  who  occupied  the  position  until  the  burning 
of  the  church  in  January,  1849. 

Mr.  George  N.  Abbey  was  the  first  chorister, 
and  Mrs.  Rachel  S.  Jamieson  was  the  leading  so- 
prano, while  Mr.  Lasar  presided  at  the  organ. 
When  the  new  church  was  completed,  Mr.  John 
Zundel  *  was  hired,  and  he  continued  as  organist  un- 

*  Mr.  Zundel's  long  identity  with  the  church  may  render  a  brief 
sketch  of  his  life  acceptable.  He  was  born  December  10,  1815,  in 
Germany.  While  a  young  man  he  removed  to  St.  Petersburg, 
Russia,  where  for  several  years  he  officiated  as  organist  of  the  St. 
Ann's  Lutheran  Church,  and  as  Bandmaster  of  the  Imperial  Horse 
Guards.  He  came  to  this  country  in  1847,  and  has  since  that  time 
succeeded  in  establishing  a  considerable  reputation,  not  only  as  an 
organist,  but  also  as  a  composer.  His  first  engagement  in  the 
United  States  was  at  the  Pierrepont  Street  Unitarian  Church,  on  a 
salary  of  $500.  He  was  employed  as  organist  of  Plymouth  Church 
January  1,  1850,  for  $700  per  annum.  From  that  date  to  the 
present  he  has  retired  from  and  returned  to  the  church  three  times, 
and  is  the  present  organist.     His  salary  is  $1,500. 


I38  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

til  Easter  Sunday,  1 854  *  He  was  re-engaged  in  June, 

1856,  and  retired  a  second  time  in  January,  1865.  * 
An  efficient  organist  was  then  advertised  for  by 
the  Society,  and  many  applications  were  received ; 
but  before  any  one  had  been  fully  decided  on,  the 
name  of  Mr.  Frederick  Ferdinand  Mlillert  was  pro- 
posed. He  was  applied  to  and  immediately  ac- 
cepted the  vacancy  on  a  salary  of  $2,000  per 
annum. 

Mr.  Miiller  found  the  choir  in  rather  poor  con- 
dition, and  immediately  began  a  thorough  re- 
organization. He  advised  the  introduction  of 
Quartette  in  conjunction  with  Congregational  sing- 
ing, but  the  trustees  were  not  at  that  time  in  favor 
of  the  employment  of  a  Quartette,  so  Mr.  Miiller 
was  obliged  to  depend  upon  a  volunteer  choir. 
He  organized  an  entire  new  choir  of  fifty  members, 
and   first   established   the    double   chorus.      Miss 

'  *  Two  organists  were  successively  engaged  from  April,  1854,  to 
June,  1856.     Messrs.  Pond  and  Knoepfel. 

f  *  Mr.  Miiller  was  the  organist  at  the  Church  of  the  Ascension 
(John  Cotton  Smith,  D.D.),  New  York,  and  Professor  of  Music  at 
the  Packer  Institute,  Brooklyn.  * 

His  professional  engagements  in  this  country  have  been  :    1852  to 

1857,  Old  South  Church,  Boston,  Mass.  ;  1857  to  1S61,  Second 
Presbyterian  Church  (Dr.  Sprague),  Albany,  N.  Y.  ;  1861  to 
1S65,  Church  of  the  Ascension  ;  1865  to  1S68,  Plymouth  Church; 
and  1868  to  the  present  time,  Church  of  the  Ascension.  Mr.  Miil- 
ler is  a  fine  organist,  and  left  many  warm  friends  and  admirers  in 
Brooklyn. 


THK    GREAT 


ORGAN-  PLYMOUTH    CHURCH.— Page  I  39. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  139 

Charlotte    Oltrogge,*   at   the   request   of  the  or- 
ganist, led  the  soprano  singing. 

Besides  his  regular  duties,  Mr.  Miiller  led  the 
musical  exercises  of  the  Sunday-school,  and  was 
always  present  at  the  Monday-evening  Singing- 
school,  which  continued  through  the  winter 
months. 

The  purchase  of  a  new  organ  was  thought  ex- 
pedient in  1865,  and  a  committee  was  appointed 
from  the  Board  of  Trustees  to  act  with  the  Music 
Committee  and  the  pastor  on  the  subject.  Messrs. 
E.  &  G.  G.  Hook,  of  Boston,  Mass.,  were  applied 
to  and  promised  in  one  year's  time  to  build  an 
instrument  which  should  surpass  in  tone,  mechan- 
ism, and  size,  any  ever  built  in  America. 

Early  in  1866  the  "material  arrived  and  was 
stored  in  the  lecture-room — one  half  of  which  was 
set  apart  for  that  pupose — for  six  weeks,  while  the 
necessary  alterations  were  being  made  in  the 
church.  Ridgewood  water  was  to  furnish  the 
power  to  operate  the  bellows ;  Stannard  engine- 
blowers  of  the  Pratt  &  Whitney  Company  of 
Hartford,  Conn.,  were  procured  to  inflate  them, 
and  each  bellows  was  to  have  one  engine. 

*  Miss  Oltrogge  possessed  a  very  sweet  voice,  and  was  remuner- 
ated for  her  services  by  a  private  subscription  of  $300  per  annum. 
She  remained  two  years,  until  her  marriage. 


140  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

The  whole  cost  of  the  organ,  inclusive  of  that 
of  alterations  in  the  church,  was  about  $25,000. 
The  Stannard  engine-blowers — which  were  added 
afterward — and  the  four  bellows  engines,  cost  a 
trifle  over  $2,000  additional. 

The  organ  occupies  a  width  of  twenty-seven 
feet,  a  depth  of  twenty-one  feet,  and  a  total  height, 
including  that  of  the  engine  and  bellows  rooms, 
of  fifty  feet.  It  is  enclosed  in  a  black-walnut  case 
with  richly  burnished  block-tin  pipes  in  front.  It 
possesses  four  banks  of  keys,  sixty-two  stops,  and 
contains  three  thousand  four  hundred  and  forty- 
two  pipes.*  Among  the  stops  are  the  Doppel 
Flote,  Viola  de  Ganba,  Philomela,  Hohlpfeife, 
Vox  Humana,  Violone  (all  of  recent  introduction), 
Vox  Angelica,  Euphone  (free  reed  stops  of  fine 
tone),  Tuba  Mirabilis,  Tuba  Octave  (stops  of  won- 
derful effect, — the  larger  pipes  of  which  are  dis- 
played in  groups  on  either  side  in  the  organ  front). 

During  the  last  year  of  Mr.  Muller's  engagement 
as  organist  a  series  of  Organ  (Free)  Concerts  were 
instituted  at  the  joint  suggestion  of  Mr.  Beecher 

*  An  idea  of  the  magnitude  of  some  of  the  organ  pipes  can  be  im- 
agined, when  it  is  related  that  one  day,  while  the  unjointed  sections 
were  lying  on  the  ground,  Mr.  Beecher,  who  is  by  no  means  a  skel- 
eton, without  divesting  himself  of  his  outer  coat,  crawled  on  his 
hands  and  knees  through  the  open  Diapason  pipe,  a  distance  of 
thirty-two  feet. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


141 


and  Mr.  Miiller.  These  concerts,  conducted  under 
the  direction  of  the  Music  Committee,  were  con- 
tinued after  Mr.  Miiller's  retirement,  although  the 
arrangements  were  slightly  changed,  and  a  price  of 
admission  #charged.  For  a  period  of  three  months 
each  year  crowds  of  people  assembled  in  the 
church  on  Saturday  afternoons,  between  the  hours 
of  four  and  five,  to  listen  to  the  symphonies  of 
Handel,  Beethoven,  Mozart,  and  other  renowned 
composers,  as  rendered  by  organists  hailing  from 
all  parts  of  our  country  and  Canada.  Occasionally, 
other  instrumental,  and  sometimes  vocal,  music 
was  introduced. 

One  of  the  principal  objects  of  these  entertain- 
ments was  the  encouragement  and  elevation  of 
musical  taste  among  all  classes,  and,  in  order  that 
all  classes  might  be  enabled  to  attend,  the  entrance 
fee  was  made  merely  nominal ;  another  object  was 
to  afford  organists  and  other  performers,  instru- 
mental and  vocal — amateurs  as  well  as  professional 
— an  opportunity  to  exhibit  their  ability  and  ac- 
complishments. 

Mr.  Miiller  returned  to  his  former  situation  at 
the  Church  of  the  Ascension,  New  York,  in  1868, 
and  Mr.  Zundel  was  again  employed. 

Mr.    Henry  Camp,  the  present  chorister,    was 

*  Admission  fifteen  cents,  or  ten  tickets  for  one  dollar. 


142  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

engaged  the  same  year,  and  notwithstanding  the 
fact  that  both  pastor  and  organist  were  opposed  to 
Quartette  singing  a  Quartette  was  then  introduced, 
consisting  of  Miss  Emma  Thursby,*  soprano ; 
Miss  Matilda  Toedt,  contralto  ;  Mr.  J.  C.  Rock- 
wood,  tenor ;  and  Mr.  Camp,  Basso. 

Mrs.  Genevieve  Hoyt  and  Miss  Clementine 
Lasar  (engaged  May  I,  1872)  have  successively 
followed  as  sopranos  ;  Miss  Thompson  and  Miss 
Antoinette  Sterling  (engaged  May,  I  1 871),  as 
contraltos ;  and  Mr.  Legget  and  Mr.  Hill  as 
tenors,  t 

The  choir  has  been  increased  in  numbers  to 
seventy-five  by  Mr.  Camp,  who  is  generally  con- 
sidered an  efficient  choir  leader. 

*  Miss  Thursby  and  Miss  Toedt  had  been  engaged  during  Mr. 
Muller's  regime  on  salaries  respectively  of  $900  and  $600.  The 
latter — since  noted  as  a  violinist  of  some  repute — now  sings  at 
Christ's  Church,  N.  Y. 

\  The  salaries  of  the  present  quartette  are : 

Miss  Lasar,  $1,300.        Mr.  Hill,  $1,300. 

Miss  Sterling,  $1,500.     Mr.  Camp  (chorister  and  basso),  $2,000. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


143 


CHAPTER   TENTH. 

Mission  Schools — Plymouth  Church's  Proteges — The  Bethel  and 
the  Navy  Mission — Origin  and  History  of  the  Bethel,  1841  to 
1872 — Stable  to  Palace — The  Navy  Mission,  1844  to  1872 — Its 
Establishment  and  History — The  Armstrong  Missionary  Society. 


HE  founding  of  Mission  Schools  in  Brook- 
lyn during  the  past  thirty  years  has  re- 
sulted latterly  in  a  religious  harvest  far 
exceeding  the  most  sanguine  expectations  of  the 
noble  men  and  women  who  have  for  years  unself- 
ishly devoted  so  much  of  their  time  to  this  praise- 
worthy labor.  Entire  neighborhoods — within 
whose  dark  and  loathsome  precincts  the  light  of 
Christianity  had  never  before  dared  to  beam — have 
been  gloriously  illumined  by  floods  of  Christian 
sunshine,  and  their  residents  enlightened  and  im- 
proved by  the  influences  of  religious  precept  and 
example.  The  societies  of  many  of  our  churches, 
actuated  by  a  commendable  ambition,  have  long 
striven  to  surpass  each  other  in  their  endeavors  to 
raise  the  ignorant  and  depraved  from  their  de- 
graded condition. 

Plymouth  Church,  however,  partly  owing  to  its 


144  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

large  and  active  membership,  has  thus  far  led  the 
van  of  reform,  and  its  two  proteges — the  Bethel 
and  the  Navy  Mission — are  to-day  the  most 
flourishing  Mission  Schools  in  the  city.  The  his- 
tory of  the  Bethel  is  substantially  as  follows  : 

THE  BETHEL  OF    PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.* 

In  1 841  an  old  stable  located  on  Main  street, 
near  the  Catherine  Ferry,  was  hired  and  fitted  up 
for  use  as  a  house  of  worship.  At  that  time  the 
neighborhood  was  even  worse  than  at  present, 
and  possessed  no  religious  institution  of  any  kind. 
A  mission  school  was  established,  which  was 
named  The  Bethel  Mission,  and  Mr.  John  P.  Elwellt 
was  appointed  Superintendent.  After  occupying 
that  position  for  one  year,  he  was  succeeded  by 
Mr.  Albert  Woodruff,  who  was  in  turn  followed 
by  Messrs.  Richard  Thorne,  Anderson,  H.  J.  N. 
Judson,  and  J.  P.  Montgomery.  As  might  be  ex- 
pected under  the  circumstances,  the  condition  of 
the  new  Mission  for  the  first  few  years  was  any- 

*  The  original  name,  "  The  Bethel  Mission,"  was  dropped  in 
March,  1868,  by  consent  of  the  officers  and  teachers,  and  the  present 
one  adopted. 

\  The  Manual  of  Plymouth  Church  (1867)  is  the  authority  for  a 
slightly   different   set   of    names : — Messrs.   Wadsworth,    John    P. 

Elwell,  Albert  Woodruff,  Judson,  Sumner  R.  Stone,  Martius 

T.  Lynde,  Andrew  A.  Smith,  and  Robert  S.  Bussing. 


AISLE    FOLDING-CHAIRS.— /V. 


*g'  93- 


THE   HETHEL   OF   PLYMOUTH    CHURCH. — Pa^e  I44. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  14$ 

thing  but  promising.  Mr.  Andrew  A.  Smith  was 
elected  Superintendent  in  1848,  and  was  continued 
in  that  office  for  fourteen  consecutive  years.  In 
1855  a  change  of  location  was  deemed  advisable, 
and  a  removal  was  made  to  a  room  in  the  old 
James  Street  Market  building,  corner  of  York 
and  James  streets. 

A  second  removal  occurred  in  1858,  and  for  one 
year  the  school  was  held  in  Poplar  Hall  (now 
known  as  the  Newsboys'  Lodging  House),  on  Pop- 
lar street.  In  1859,  desirable  rooms  were  leased 
in  the  building  Nos.  42  and  44  Fulton  street, 
opposite  Front  street,  and,  after  the  necessary 
alterations  had  been  made,  taken  possession  of  by 
the  Bethel  Mission. 

Mr.  Smith,  who  had  been  instrumental  in  in- 
creasing the  number  of  scholars,  and  in  advancing 
the  prosperity  of  the  Mission  in  all  respects,  re- 
signed the  superintendency  in  1862,  and  Mr. 
Robert  S.  Bussing  was  elected  as  his  successor. 

*During  its  existence  thus  far,  the  school  had  ap- 
plied to  no  church  for  pecuniary  aid,  nor  had  any 
church  offered  any. 

Owing   to    its   proximity  to  Plymouth  Church, 

*  All   expenses  had  hitherto  been  defrayed,  partly  by  voluntary 
contributions  of  the  teachers,  and  the  school  funds,  and  partly  by 
proceeds  of  lectures  by  John  B.  Gough. 
7 


146  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

many  of  the  young  people  of  that  Society  had 
connected  themselves  with  it  as  teachers,  and 
when,  in  1866,  it  was  suggested  that  some  one  of 
the  churches  of  Brooklyn  should  assume  the  pro- 
tection of  the  Mission,  the  proposition  was  first 
made  to  Plymouth  Church.  The  *Church  at  a 
meeting,  held  June  1,  1866,  unanimously  voted  to 
adopt  the  Bethel  as  one  of  its  regular  institutions. 
Mr.  R.  S.  Bussing  having  resigned  January  1 
(1867),  Mr.  George  A.  Bell  was  elected  his  suc- 
cessor, and  entered  upon  his  duties  as  Superintend- 
ent, February  3  (1867).  There  were  at  that  time 
thirty-five  classes  in  the  school,  embracing  a  total 
registration  of  about  300,  with  an  average  attend- 
ance of  220  (teachers  and  scholars).  Mr.  Bell 
had  lost  none  of  his  accustomed  energy.  The 
Trustees  of  Plymouth  Church  were  requested  to 
provide  a  new  and  more  convenient  building  for 
their  adopted  child,  at  an  expense  of  $20,000,  one 
half  of  which  amount  to  be  raised  by  subscription, 
and  the  other  half  to  be  furnished  by  the  Society. 
The   present  site,t  on   Hicks  street,  near  Fulton 

*  This  action  of  the  Church  was  formally  ratified  at  the  Annual 
Meeting  of  the  Society,  January  10,  1S67. 

f  The  Bethel  stands  on  a  lot  of  ground,  50  x  100  feet.  The 
building  itself  is  50  x  SS  feet,  outside  measurement ;  46  feet  6  inches 
x  S4  feet  inside.  There  are  three  floors,  including  the  basement. 
The  basement  story  is  S  feet  high  in  the  clear,  and  comprises :  Boys' 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  1 47 

street,  was  selected,  and  purchased  for  $15,000, 
and  the  corner-stone  of  the  new  edifice  was  laid  by 
Mr.  Beecher  in  December,  1867. 

The  building,  when  completed,  cost  $52,000 ; 
and  its  necessary  furniture,  inclusive  of  an  organ, 
pianos,  and  a  fountain,*  was  procured  at  an  ex- 
pense of  $8,000  ;  the  total  cost  of  ground,  building, 
and  furniture,  amounting  to  $75,000.  To  meet 
this  amount,  which  was  nearly  quadruple  the 
original  estimate,  $21,000  was  obtained  by  volun- 
tary subscription  (mainly  through  the  influence  of 
Mr.  Bell),  $6,250  was  realized  from  a  fair  held  in 

Reading  Room,  19x54  feet;  Boys'  Night  School,  15x36  feet; 
Boys'  Checker  Room,  15  x  30  feet ;  Boys'  Wash  Room,  12x15  feet ; 
Kitchen,  Store  Room,  Boiler  Room,  coal  bins,  closets,  etc. 

The  first  floor  is  12  feet  high,  containing  the  Men's  Reading 
Room,  about  36x36  feet;  Men's  Chess  Room,  12  x  26  feet; 
Teachers'  Room,  24x24;  Wash  Room,  Missionary's  Parlor  and 
Bedrooms,  Closets,  Halls,  etc. 

The  Main  Hall  is  used  for  Sabbath  School  and  Meetings.  It  is 
lighted  from  the  roof ;  is  the  full  length  and  width  of  the  building  ; 
24  feet  high  to  the  cornice,  and  12  feet  more  from  the  cross-beams 
to  the  ceiling — therefore,  really  36  feet  high.  The  Platform  is  be- 
tween the  Main  Entrance  doors ;  and  behind  the  Platform,  on  the 
Main  floor,  and  opening  to  it  by  windows,  is  the  Mothers'  Class 
Room.  Above  the  Class  Room,  the  Visitors'  and  Organ  Gallery. 
At  the  opposite  end  of  the  Hall  are  three  Class  Rooms,  12  x  16 
each,  and  Library  ;  above  these  the  Infant  Class  Gallery,  24  feet 
deep  and  46  feet  6  inches  wide.  The  Gallery  is  divided  in  the  mid- 
dle by  a  partition,  so  as  to  form  two  classes,  which  are  yet  capable 
of  being  worked  as  one. — Bethel  of  Plymouth  Church  (1869). 

*  Owing  to  the  increase  of  the  school  it  was  found  necessary  to 
remove  the  fountain  in  1871. 


148  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

Plymouth  Church  in  December  (1867),  and  the 
balance,  $47,750,  was  advanced  by  the  Society  ot 
Plymouth  Church. 

When  the  Bethel  was  first  opened  to  the  public, 
there  were  established,  beside  the  Sabbath-school 
exercises,  a  series  of  Sunday-night  meetings, 
Monday-evening  prayer-meetings,  Mothers'  Meet- 
ings (Tuesday  afternoons),  Ladies'  Sewing  Meet- 
ings (Saturday  afternoons),  and  Popular  Enter- 
tainments (Wednesday  evenings).  These  enter- 
tainments have  proved  successful,  and  have  been 
made  to  pay  their  expenses  by  the  charging  of  an 
admission  fee  of  fifteen  cents ;  artists  and  lectur- 
ers giving  their  services  gratuitously.  A  Free 
Library  and  Reading  Room  was  also  instituted  ; 
the  latter  is  supported  through  the  generosity  of 
five  gentlemen*  who  yearly  contribute  a  total 
amount  of  $600. 

One  Assistant  Superintendent  (Mr.  Thomas  H. 
Bird)  was  sufficient  until  1871,  when  the  large  in- 
crease of  the  school  rendered  the  election  of  two 
assistants  necessary.  The  officers  of  the  Bethel  for 
1 87 it  were  : 

*  Henry  W.  Sage,  $200;  Horace  B.  Claflin,  $100;  Isaac  Van 
Anden,  $100;  John  T.  Howard,  $100;  Henry  A.  Dike,  $100. 

\  Officers  for  1870:  Superintendent,  George  A.  Bell;  Assistant 
Superintendent,  Thomas  H.  Bird ;  Secretary,  John  R.  Anderson  ; 
Treasurer,  Robert  S.  Bussing ;  Librarian,  Albert  Tusch ;  Mission- 
ary, Charles  M.  Morton. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


149 


Superintendent,  George  A.  Bell  ;  Assistant  Su- 
perintendents, Thomas  H.  Bird  and  William  B. 
"Wadsworth  ;  Secretary  and  Treasurer,  John  R. 
Anderson ;  Librarian,  Albert  Tusch ;  Treasurer 
Missionary  Fund,  Arthur  Bell ;  Missionary,  Charles 
M.  Morton. 

The  total  annual  expense  of  the  Bethel  is  about 
$4,500,*  and  is  borne  by  the  Society  of  Plymouth 
Church. 

Mr.  Charles  M.  Morton  was  engaged  as  Mis- 
sionary, at  a  salary  of  $  1 ,  500 1  per  annum,  in  1 869 ; 
and  as  one  proof  of  his  usefulness,  it  may  be  said 
that  his  married  men's  class  numbers  one  hundred 
and  fifty  members. 

Missionary  collections  are  taken  up  every  Sun- 
day ;  in  1869  these  contributions  amounted  to 
$659.32,  of  which  $460.55  was  disbursed;  in  1870 
the  total  amount  of  collections  was  $761.69  ;  and 
in  1871,  $1,885.89,  of  which  $1,250  was  presented 
to  the  Illinois  Street  Mission  of  Chicago  immedi- 
ately after  the  great  conflagration  in  that  city. 

After  an  administration  of  five  years,  Mr.  Bell 
severed  his  connection  with  the  Bethel,  in  order  to 
aid  in  building  up  another  adopted  school  of  Plym- 

*  In  the  Secretary's  report  for  187 1,  the  general  expenses  are  es- 
timated at  $6,000. 

f  Afterward  increased  to  $1,800. 


i5o 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


outh  Church.  His  loss,  it  has  been  truly  said, 
was  "  deeply  regretted  by  every  officer,  teacher, 
and  scholar  of  the  school  he  served  so  long  and  so 
faithfully."* 

Some  idea  of  the  result  of  his  labors  may  be 
realized  by  a  comparison  of  the  condition  of  the 
Mission  when  he  assumed  charge  of  it  with  its  con- 
dition at  his  retirement  According  to  the  Secre- 
tary's annual  report  for  1871,  the  registered  mem 
bership  was  :  officers  and  teachers,  89 ;  scholars, 
1,054;  total,  1 143  ;  average  attendance,  948.  (The 
total  capacity  of  the  Sunday-school  room  is  1,245.) 

The  officers  elected  for  1872  were:  Superintend- 
ent, Thomas  H.  Bird;  Assistant  Superintendents, 
William  B.  Wadsworth  and  Thomas  J.  Tilney ; 
Secretary,  Frank  H.  Cowperthwait ;  Assistant  Sec- 
retaries, G.  Alfred  Bell  and  Arthur  Bell ;  Treasurer, 
John  R.  Anderson  ;  Missionary,  Charles  M.  Mor- 
ton ;  Librarian,  Albert  Tusch  ;  Assistant  Libra- 
rians, Ernest  Ruestow,  Paul  Grasser,  Adolph  Jag- 
ger,  and  Walter  Bell ;  Treasurer  Missionary  Fund, 
George  Hornbeck. 

"  Ill-health  compelled  Mr.  Bird  to  withdraw  from 
his  office  in  April,  1872,  and  Mr.  Wadsworth  be- 
came Superintendent.     Mr.  George  A.  Price  was 

*  Report  of  chairman  of  Committee  on  the  resignation  of  Mr. 
BelL 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  ji^ 

then  appointed  to  the  vacant  assistant  superinten- 
dentship.  Shortly  after,  Mr.  Wadsworth  married 
and  sailed  for  Europe,  having  resigned  his  position. 
About  the  same  time  Mr.  Price  resigned,  thus  oc- 
casioning two  vacancies,  whereupon  Mr.  William 
Ray  was  elected  to  fill  one,  and  Mr.  Lewis  Wis- 
wall,  Jr.,  a  young  man  of  exemplary  character, 
and  who  had  entered  the  Bethel  a  few  years  pre- 
vious a  comparative  stranger,  was  elected  to  fill  the 
remaining  vacancy. 

THE  NAVY  MISSION.* 

In  June,  1844,  three  Christian  gentlemen — John 
S.    Pierson,    George    Cranford,    and   Thomas   N. 

*  In  October  (1872)  Plymouth  Church  voted  to  endow  the  Bethel 
and  the  Navy  Mission  with  $25,000  each,  and  it  was  proposed  that 
the  name  "  Navy  "  should  be  discontinued  in  favor  of  the  name  of 
the  pastor — or  some  name  that  he  might  suggest.  Mr.  Beecher,  how- 
ever, declined  to  have  his  name  used,  and  refused  to  recommend  any 
name.  It  was  then  moved  that  the  word  "  Roxana"  be  substituted 
for  "Navy."  (Roxana  was  the  name  of  Mr.  Beecher's  mother.) 
This  motion  was  carried,  and  the  teachers  of  the  Navy  Mission  were 
officially  notified  of  the  $25,000  appropriation,  and  of  the  name 
voted  for  them  by  the  church.  Some  of  the  teachers,  who  had  been 
connected  with  the  Mission  for  many  years,  were  in  favor  of  continu- 
ing the  old  name,  and  all  were,  without  any  disrespect  to  Mr. 
Beecher,  opposed  to  the  proposed  name,  and  a  request  was  sent  to 
the  church  that  the  action  in  respect  to  the  change  of  name  should 
be  reconsidered,  and  respectfully  proposing  that  the  name  "  Plym- 
outh" be  adopted  if  a  change  was  considered  advisable.  The 
church  reconsidered  its  vote,  and  the  name  will  hereafter  be  "  The 
Plymouth  mission." 


152  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

Sothcr — determined  to  organize  a  Mission  Sunday- 
school  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Navy  Yard.  The 
premises,  corner  of  Marshall  and  Little  streets, 
which  had  formerly  been  occupied  as  a  liquor  store, 
were  accordingly  hired,  and  after  an  extensive  visi- 
tation throughout  the  neighborhood,  a  Sabbath- 
school,  consisting  of  twenty-nine  scholars  and 
twelve  officers  and  teachers,  was  formed  June  30, 
1844.  It  was  named  The  Navy  Mission,  and  Mr. 
Cranford  was  chosen  first  Superintendent.  This 
gentleman  died  in  1846,  and  Mr.  Richard  W.  Hub- 
bard succeeded  him. 

Through  the  efforts  of  a  Temperance  Society, 
which  the  members  had  instituted,  and  the  liber- 
ality of  the  late  Mr.  Whitehead  J.  Cornell,  a  Tem- 
perance Hall  was  erected  in  Marshall  street,  into 
which  the  school  removed.  This  building  was  un- 
dermined by  the  Gas  Company  in  1849  and  be- 
came unsafe.  It  was  consequently  sold  to  the  Gas 
Company,  and  an  edifice  was  then  built  on  the  cor- 
ner of  Front  street  and  Green  lane,  which  the 
Mission  occupied  for  twenty-two  years. 

After  Mr.  Hubbard,  Messrs.  Daniel  Pruden, 
Gilbert  H.  Ferris,-  Coe  Adams,  John  S.  Pierson, 
Horatio  N.  Holt,  C.  S.  Van  YVagener,  and  S.  F. 
Strong,  officiated  successively  as  Superintendents. 

The  school  was  originally  commenced  under  the 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  ^3 

auspices  of  the  Second  Presbyterian  Church,  of 
which  the  late  Rev.  Dr.  Spencer  was  then  pastor, 
and  during  his  life  was  sustained  by  that  Society, 
but  after  his  death  the  church  was  obliged  to  dis- 
continue its  support  from  pecuniary  inability. 
Several  other  churches — the  First  Baptist,  the 
Pierrepont  Street  Baptist,  the  St.  Ann's  Episcopal, 
the  Church  of  the  Pilgrims,  and  the  Plymouth 
Church — feeling  the  essentiality  of  its  maintenance, 
afforded  it  aid  both  by  teachers  and  pecuniarily. 

In  1 87 1  the  Front-street  building  had  become 
so  dilapidated  that  it  was  unfit  for  use,  and  its 
owners  not  feeling  able  to  rebuild,  concluded  to 
abandon  the  school  and  sell  the  property.  At  this 
crisis  several  of  the  teachers  applied  to  Plymouth 
Church  for  assistance,  and  at  the  annual  meeting 
of  the  Society,  January,  1871,  it  was  decided  to 
adopt  the  Navy  Mission.  The  building  now  oc- 
cupied by  the  Navy  Mission  was  then  purchased 
for  $12,000,  and  the  requisite  alterations  were  made 
and  the  house  appropriately  furnished  at  an  addi- 
tional expense  of  $12,500,  thus  swelling  the  total 
cost  to  $24,500.  The  school  assembled  in  their 
new  home  on  the  last  Sunday  of  June,  1871,  but 
the  main  hall  was  not  prepared  for  occupancy  un- 
til the  last  Sunday  in  April,  1872.  The  foundation 
thus  laid  for  another  large  Mission  school,  it  was 


154  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

only  necessary,  in  order  to  ensure  success,  to  ap- 
point an  efficient  man  Superintendent,  and  Mr. 
George  A.  Bell  was  again  called  on  and  finally 
consented  to  accept  that  office  in  January,  1872. 

In  1 87 1,  the  average  attendance  was  about  200; 
it  is  now  about  500- 

Six  of  the  Mission's  former  teachers  and  scholars 
have  entered  the  ministry,  and  three  of  the  lady 
teachers  have  connected  themselves  with  the  For- 
eign and  Home  Missionary  Service. 

Miss  Crane,  a  noble  and  experienced  woman, 
long  connected  with  the  Navy  Mission,  is  the 
present  missionary. 

In  November,  1872,  a  Men's  Free  Reading 
Room  was  opened,  and  a  sewing-meeting  for  the 
instruction  of  girls  established,  both  of  which  are 
well  appreciated  and  patronized.  One  of  the 
young  lady  teachers — Miss  Katie  Belknap — has 
offered  to  instruct  gratuitously  any  scholars  who 
may  desire  to  learn  telegraphy,  and  arrangements 
will  soon  be  made  to  enable  her  to  put  her  propo- 
sition into  effect.  • 

It  is  a  remarkable  coincidence  that  both  the 
Bethel  and  the  Navy  Missions  have,  from  time  to 
time,  removed  farther  and  farther  away  from  the 
locations  in  which  they  were  originally  estab- 
lished, until  they  are  now  situated  in  very  respect- 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  i$$ 

able  neighborhoods,  while  the  vicinities  which  they 
were  originally  intended  to  enlighten  are  still  wal- 
lowing in  darkness,  though,  perhaps,  a  trifle  im- 
proved by  the  occasional  reflection  of  the  rays  of 
gospel  light,  that  long  ago  flashed  in  their  dens  of 
vice. 

THE  ARMSTRONG  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 

The  Armstrong  Missionary  Society  was  formerly 
composed  of  a  few  ladies  of  different  churches,  and 
was  instituted  for  the  purpose  of  educating  heathen 
children.  It  was  eventually  taken  under  the  wing 
of  Plymouth  Church,  and  finally  was  adopted  by 
Plymouth  Sabbath-school  as  one  of  its  regular 
objects  of  charity. 

PLYMOUTH  YOUNG  PEOPLE'S  ASSOCIATION. 

This  Association  invites  the  admission  of  all 
members  of  the  church  and  Society,  between  the 
ages  of  ten  and  sixty,  who  may  feel  inclined  to  pay 
one  dollar  per  annum  toward  its  support.  It  was 
organized  after  the  discontinuance  of  the  Social 
Circles.  Throughout  the  winter  months,  a  sociable 
is  held  in  the  Sunday-school  rooms  on  every  sec- 
ond Thursday  evening,  when  interesting  readings, 
vocal  and  instrumental  music,  and  various  games 


156  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

of  amusement  are  introduced  to  lend  additional 
charms  to  social  intercourse.  If  more  of  the  young 
people  of  the  church  could  be  induced  to  interest 
themselves  in  this  organization,  and  become  active 
members,  spirited  entertainments  might  be  pre- 
sented at  these  sociables,  which  would  make  them 
very  attractive.  Every  summer  a  pleasure  excur- 
sion is  indulged  in,  and  once  each  year  a  concert  is 
given  in  the  church,  the  proceeds  of  which  are 
used  to  supply  the  pulpit  with  flowers  on  the  Sab- 
bath. 

An  Employment  Committee,  appointed  from  the 
members  of  the  Association,  gladly  receive  appli- 
cations from  young  men  for  situations,  and  if,  after 
due  investigation,  the  characters  of  applicants  are 
found  to  be  satisfactory,  assistance  is  rendered. 
During  the  winter  of  1870,  the  ladies  formed  a 
sewing-school  for  the  free  instruction  of  poor  girls, 
and  met  at  three  o'clock  on  Thursday  afternoons 
in  the  church  parlors  for  that  commendable  purpose, 
but  in  the  fall  of  1871  their  place  of  meeting  was 
changed  to  the  Bethel,  where  the  good  work  is 
still  continued. 

Besides  supporting  these  various  institutions, 
the  church  has  afforded  pecuniary  aid  to  numerous 
young  men  studying  for  the  ministry  and  other 
professions,    and    also   to   several    young    ladies. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


I  57 


Thus  it  will  be  seen  that  Plymouth  Church  and 
Society,  in  emulation  of  the  well-known  liberal- 
ity of  their  pastor,  have  stretched  forth  the  hand  of 
assistance  on  every  side  to  the  needy  and  deserv- 
ing. 


158  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


CHAPTER  ELEVENTH. 


Mr.  Beecher's  Salary  increased — Appointment  of  a  Pastoral  Helper 
— Deaconesses — Annual  Progress  of  the  Church — The  Church 
Revenue — List  of  Former  Trustees — The  Present  Board — Dea- 
cons and  Deaconesses — Collection  System — Sunday-school  Stat- 
istics— Conclusion. 


HE  Society,  ever  anxious  to  manifest  the 
sincerity  of  their  love  for  their  pastor  and 
their  appreciation  of  the  great  work  he  has 
accomplished  in  their  midst,  proposed  in  1864  the 
presentation  of  $5,000  to  him  as  a  mark  of  esteem, 
but  Mr.  Beecher  declined  to  accept  of  the  dona- 
tion. The  same  sum  was  then  voted  to  him  as 
additional  salary  for  that  year,  and  in  1865  his  an- 
nual remuneration  was  increased  to  $12,500,  which 
amount  was  augmented  to  $20,000  in  1870. 

The  large  membership  of  the  church  and  the 
multifarious  labors  of  Mr.  Beecher  had  for  some 
years  rendered  the  fulfilment  of  all  the  duties  which 
devolved  upon  him  as  pastor  utterly  impossible, 
and  in  1869  Mr.  Beecher  advised  the  engagement 
of  Rev.  S.  B.  Halliday  as  Pastoral  Helper.     The 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  j$g 

functions  of  Mr.  Halliday  are  to  make  pastoral 
visits,  call  upon  the  sick,  deliver  funeral  sermons, 
and  pay  the  proper  attention  to  the  many  applica- 
tions for  assistance,  personal  and  by  letter  (with 
which  Mr.  Beecher  is  daily  favored),  during  the 
absence  of  the  pastor  or  when  he  is  otherwise  un- 
able to  attend  to  those  affairs.  In  1870  Mr.  Halli- 
day was  appointed  clerk  of  the  church. 

The  creation  of  the  office  or  dignity  of  Deaconess 
was  suggested  by  Mr.  Beecher  in  1868,  and  Mrs. 
Cordelia  Morrill,  Mrs.  Mary  L.  Thalheimer,  and 
Mrs.  Mary  A.  Fanning  were  chosen  to  serve  in 
that  capacity  during  the  remainder  of  the  year. 
At  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Society  in  1869,  the 
office  was  formally  instituted,  and  Mrs.  Morrill, 
Mrs.  Thalheimer,  Mrs.  Fanning,  Mrs.  Sarah  J. 
Tappan,  Mrs.  Martha  Bradshaw,  and  Mrs.  Sarah 
J.  Bird  were  elected  deaconesses. 

The  annual  progress  of  the  church  is  shown  by 
the  annexed  *  table  : 

*  This  tabular  report  was  copied  partly  from  the  Plymouth  Church 
Manual  (1867)  and  partly  from  the  church  books. 


i6o 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


ADMISSION. 

DATE. 

a 

£ 
ft 

5 
0 
H 

f.    s. 

-- 

ij 

4 

"0 

1847 

1848 

1849 

1850 

I85I 

1852 

1853 

1854 

1855 

1856 

IS57 

1858 

1359 

i860 

I86l 

1862 

1863 

1864 

1865 

1866 

1867 

1868 

1869 

1870 

1871 

1872 

1 

56 
5o 
43 
33 
102 

33 
18 
48 

19 
88 

369 
20 
27 
36 
97 
43 
42 
57 

126 
66 
77 
92 

143 

124 

134 

56 
94 

86 

56 

55 
59 
46 

43 
52 
63 

44 
73 
43 
52 
47 
37 
13 
40 

50 

11 

54 
45 
61 

5o 

62 

57 

150 

136 

99 

88 

161 

79 
6i 

10a 

82 
132 

442 

63 
79 
S3 

i34 
56 
82 

107 

183 

102 

131 

*37 
204 

174 

196 

I 

4 
11 

17 

27 

28 

40 

51* 

33 

40 

30 
64* 

27 
36 
35 
42 

38 
27 
53 
SS* 
24 
27 
14 
18 
11 
4 

56 
146 

125 
82 
6l 

133 

39 
10 

67 

42 

102 

36 
43 
48 

92 
18 

55 
54 
95 
78 
104 

123 
186 

163 
192 

56 

202 

327 
409 
470 
603 

642 
652 
719 

761 

S63 

1,241 

1,277 

1,320 

1,36s 

1,460 

1,478 

1,533 
1,587 
1,682 
1,760 
1,864 
•1,987 
2,173 
2,336 
2,528 

Total. 

i>944 

i,374 

3,3i8 

790 

2,528 

2,52s 

Mention  has  been  made  in  previous  chapters  of 
the  income  of  the  church  from  pew-rents  (1853  to 


*  In  1854,  1858,  and  1866,  the  Register  was  carefully  revised,  and  many  mem- 
bers' names  stricken  off,  who  had  in  fact  left  or  died  long  before.  This  accounts 
for  the  apparent  excess  in  the  number  of  dismissals  in  those  over  other  years. — 
Plymouth  Church  Manual. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


161 


1868) — Plymouth  Church  Manual  of  1867  being 
the  authority  for  the  figures  given ;  but  Mr.  Har- 
vey S.  Weld,  having  detected  the  errors,  has  care- 
fully prepared  a  corrected  and  complete  report  of 
this  portion  of  Plymouth  Church  statistics.  The 
result  of  his  research  is  here  presented :  * 


DATE. 

0 

en  C 

li 

Pi 

1 
1 

."2 

■ 

'c3 

O 

ta 

c>2  a 

•0 

> 

8  • 

<=  V  S 

£2  ? 

< 

e 

< 

3 

1 

U!  C  " 

1854... 

$10,435 

$1,286 

$... 

$... 

$11,298 

$423 

1855... 

10,551 

1,316 

11,489 

378 

1856... 

10,345 

1,756 

300 

12,200 

20I 

1857... 

11,085 

2,902 

350 

14,290 

47 

1858... 

11,812 

4,107 

384 

16,254 

49 

1859... 

11,950 

",773 

76l 

1,700 

26,222 

24 

i860... 

11,820 

16,219 

766 

1,500 

30,257 

48 

1861... 

11,892 

16,060 

6ll 

200 

28,660 

103 

1862... 

11,953 
11,996 

5.945 

291 

340 

18,443 

86 

1863... 

10,034 

433 

200 

22,663 

1864. .  . 

12,070 

i8,77S 

585 

345 

31,760 

18 

1865... 

12,102 

26,794 

59o 

203 

39,246 

443 

1S66... 

12,010 
12,008 

29,526 

747 

760 

42,788 

255 

1867... 

36,043 

S20 

390 

49,084 

167 

1868... 

12,015 

36,387 

753 

1,360 

50,2l6 

299 

1869... 

12,014 

41,690 

790 

5io 

55,877 

127 

1870... 

12,028 

44,441 

784 

580 

57,6lO 

223 

I87I... 

12,028 

44,456 

766 

37o 

57,309 

181 

1872... 

12,028 

47,030 

801 

650 

59»762 

t 

Total. 

$222,142 

$396,543 

$9,882 

$9,758  $635,42S 

$3,072 

t  Loss  for  1872  not  yet  known. 

*  "  The  above  is  a  correct  exhibit  of  the  rents  of  Plymouth  Church 
for  nineteen  years.  Brooklyn,  January  i,  1873. — H.  S.  Weld,  Sec- 
retary Board  of  Trustees." 


1 62 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


The  names  of  the  gentlemen  who    have   been 
Trustees  of  Plymouth  Church  are  : 


Arnold,  Daniel  S. 
Avery,  Charles  C. 
Beach,  Moses  S. 
Benedict,  Roswell  D. 
Bowen,  Henry  C. 
Burgess,  Daniel. 
Claflin,  Horace  B. 
Collins,  Henry. 
Corning,  Edward. 
Flanders,  Benjamin. 
Freeland,  James. 
Fuller,  Joseph  C. 
Gibson,  Edmund  T.  H. 

Studwell, 


Graves,  Rufus  R. 
Howard,  John  T. 
Hutchinson,  John  B. 
Knapp,  Iverson  W. 
Mason,  John  W. 
Mellen,  William  H. 
Morrill,   Henry  E. 
Palmer,  Lorin. 
Pillsbury,  Nehemiah  O. 
Ropes,  Reuben  W. 
Sage,  Henry  W. 
Stanton,  Amos  P. 
Storrs,  Augustus. 
Alexander. 


The  present  Board  of  Trustees  consists  of: 


James  Freeland  (President). 
R.  R.  Graves  (Treasurer). 
II .  B.  Claflin. 
H.  W.  Sage. 
D.  S.  Arnold. 


Augustus  Storrs. 

J.  B.  Hutchinson. 

M.  S.  Beach. 

Lorin  Palmer. 

H.  S.  Weld  (Secretary). 


The  gentlemen  now  officiating  as  Deacons  are 
(including  the  pastor  and  the  clerk,  who  act  ex 
officio)  eleven  in  number,  namely  :  M.  K.  Moody, 
C.  M.  Morton,  R.  W.  Ropes,  D.  H.  Hawkins,  H. 
B.  White,  C.  C.  Duncan,  R.  D.  Benedict,*  S.  E. 
Belcher,*  E.  H.  Garbutt,*  H.  W.  Beecher,  and  S. 
B.  Halliday. 

*  Messrs.  Benedict,  Belcher,  and  Garbutt  were  elected  Decem- 
ber 13,  1872. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


163 


The  Deaconesses  elected  at  the  business  meet- 
ing of  the  church,  Friday  evening,  December  13 
(1872),  to  succeed  the  retiring  Board  (Mrs.  Mor- 
rill, Mrs.  Tappan,  Mrs.  Pratt,  Mrs.  Halliday,  Mrs. 
Moody,  and  Mrs.  Bryant*),  were  Mrs.  Moody* 
Mrs.  Thalheimer,  Mrs.  Pratt,  Mrs.  Hawkins,  Mrs. 
Halliday,  and  Mrs.  Fitzgerald. 

Collections — beside  the  regular  (church)  Poor 
(after  each  communion)  and  the  Thanksgiving- 
day  collections — are  taken  up  on  the  last  Sabbath 
of  each  month,  both  morning  and  evening,  the 
proceeds  of  which  are  disbursed  in  the  following 
order :  f 


"  January,  City  Mission  and 
Tract  Society. 

February,  Home  Missionary  So- 
ciety. 

March,  American  Tract  Society, 
Boston. 

April,  Seamen's  Friend  Society. 

May,  Industrial  School  Associa- 
tion and  Home  for  Destitute 
Children. 

June,  American  Congregational 
Union. 


July,  Sabbath-schools. 
August,  Temperance. 
September,  Western  Colleges. 
October,    American     Board    of 

Commissioners     for     Foreign 

Missions. 
November,  American  Missionary 

Society. 
December,  City  Bible  Society." 


When,  in  the  autumn  of  1871,  the  hearts  and 
purses  of  the  civilized  people  of  the  Globe  were 
opened  in  sympathy  for  the  thousands  of  unfortu- 


*  Deceased,     f  Plymouth  Church  Manual  (1867). 


1 64  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

nates  who  suffered  by  the  great  fire  in  Chicago  and 
the  Western  forest  conflagrations,  the  Society  do- 
nated cash,  clothing,  and  other  necessaries  to  the 
amount  of  $40,000,*  and  the  Sabbath-school  con- 
tributed $4,000  additional. 

The  annual  meeting  of  the  Society,  for  the 
election  of  trustees,  is  held  on  the  Thursday  even- 
ing" succeeding  the  first  Sunday  in  January  ;  that 
of  the  church,  for  the  election  of  officers,  is  held 
on  the  second  Friday  evening  of  December ;  and 
a  regular  business  meeting  is  held  on  the  Friday 
evening  succeeding  the  last  Sunday  of  each  month. 

t  The  celebration  of  the  Lord's  Supper  occurs 
on  the  first  Sabbath  of  January,  March,  May,  July, 
September,  and  November,  unless  otherwise  di- 
rected by  the  church. 

t  Baptism  is  administered  to  infant  children  on 
the  first  suitable  Sabbath  morning  after  each  com- 
munion. 

The  annual  rental  of  pews  at  auction  takes  place 
in  the  church,  on  the  first  Monday  evening  in  Jan- 
uary of  each  year.     (Incorrect.     See  page  294.) 

The  growth  of  the  Sunday-school  has  been  in 
accordance  with  the  increase  of  the  church,  to  a 
certain   degree.     J  "In  May,   1848,  it   numbered 

*  Direct  and  indirect. 

f  Plymouth  Church  Manual,  (1S67). 

%  Plymouth  Church  Manual. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


165 


25  teachers  and  140  scholars,  with  an  average 
attendance  of  140  in  all.  In  December,  1850,  the 
attendance  was  174;  in  December,  1855,  159;  in 
December,  i860,  380  ;  in  1861,480;  in  1862,  580." 
During  the  two  succeeding  years  the  enrollment 
was  swelled  to  over  1,100;  and  the  following 
exhibit*  of  the  school  register  since  1864  (inclu- 
sive) tells  its  own  story  : 


Roll. 

1864 

1865 

1866 

1867 

1868 

1869 

1870 

1871 

1872 

Officers 

15 

97 
795 
250 

15 

98 

783 
168 

15 
96 

73i 
180 

IS 

95 

665 

175 

13 
94 

769 

175 

14 

86 

849 

125 

14 

97 

885 

150 

13 

97 
732 
150 

IOI 

Teachers 

Scholars 

1054 
150 

Infant  class 

Total  

.,, 

1064 

1022 

95o 

991 

1074 

1 146 

992 

1319 

Largest  attendance. 
Smallest          " 
Average          * ' 

776 
229 
615 

767 

3i9 
649 

787 
337 
613 

779 
220 
620 

6S6 

185 
537 

808 
230 
651 

822 
261 

726 

861 
296 
780 

The   Rev.  Dr.   Edward   Beecher  t   presides,  at 
present,  over  one  of  the  adult  Bible-classes. 

It  has  been  the  custom  of  the  school,  for  many 


*  Obtained  through  the  courtesy  of  Mr.  Adrian  J.  Tyler,  Sec- 
retary, Plymouth  Sunday-school. 

f  Late  pastor  of  First  Congregational  Church,  Galesburg, 
Illinois. 


1 66  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

years,  to  treat  themselves  and  their  friends  to  a 
Festival  (continuing  several  evenings)  in  the 
autumn  of  each  year,  and  to  a  Picnic  *  in  the 
month  of  June,  each  summer. 

Monthly  collections  are  taken  up  in  the  school 
for  various  charities,  which  annually  amount  to 
considerable  sums, — 1863,  $880;  1864,  $1,514; 
1865,  $3,717;  1866,  $1,211.  An  attempt  was 
made,  in  1872,  to  change  the  contribution  system, 
and,  for  a  short  time,  collections  were  called  for 
weekly  instead  of  monthly,  but  the  former  and 
more  advisable  method  has  again  been  resumed. 

It  has  been  deemed  expedient,  for  some,  per- 
haps, wise  reason,  for  several  years  past,  to  adjourn 
the  Sunday-school  exercises  during  a  portion  of 
the  pastor's  vacation — generally  from  about  the 
first  of  August  to  the  first  or  second  Sabbath  in 
September.  A  Bible-class  meeting  has,  however, 
generally  been  held  regularly  during  the  adjourn- 
ment. The  school  session  is  of  one  and  a  half 
hour's  duration — commencing  at  three  o'clock  P.M. 
and  closing  at  half  after  four  (P.M.). 

The  officers  of  the  school  since  i860  have  been  : 


*  The  Sunday-school  picnics  have  latterly  been  under  the  direc- 
tion of  the  Plymouth  Young  People's  Association. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


167 


1861. 

Supt.,  George  A.  Bell. 

Asst.    (  Moses  S.  Beach. 
Supts.,  \  Bishop  Faulkner. 

Libr'n,  Alex.  Magrotty. 


1862-3. 

Supt.,  G.  A.  Bell. 
Asst.     (  M.  S.  Beach. 
Supts.,  \  B.  Faulkner. 
.SV<r.  &>  Treas.,  C.  L.  Allen. 
Libr'n,  O.  B.  Coomes. 

1864. 

Supt.,  G.  A.  Bell. 
^jj/.     f  M.  S.   Beach. 
.Sw/Ar.,  '(  R.  D.  Benedict. 
.SVr.  &>  Treas.,  C.  L.  Allen. 
Libr'n,  O.  B.  Coomes. 

1865. 

Supt.,  G.  A.  BelL 
^j\tf.     (  Lorin  Palmer. 

Supts.,  \  O.  B.  Coomes. 

Sec  &  Treas.,  C.  L.  Allen. 

Asst.  &  ) 

Acting    \  Adrian  J.  Tyler. 
Sec,      ) 

Libr'n,  M.  G.  White. 


1866-7. 

Supt.,  Rossiter  W.  Raymond. 

Asst.     C  L.   Palmer. 
Supts.,  \  O.  B.  Coomes. 
Sec.  &>  Treas.,  C.  L.  Allen. 
Asst.  6° ) 

Acting  \  A.  J.  Tyler. 

Sec,     ) 
Libr'n,    H.  S.  Jewell. 

1868-9. 
Supt.,  R.  W.  Raymond. 
Asst.     j  L.  Palmer. 
Supts.,  I  O.  B.  Coomes. 
Treas.,  C.  L.  Allen. 
Sec,  A.  J.  Tyler. 
Libr'n,  H.  S.  Jewell. 

1870-1. 
Supt.,  C.  C.  Duncan. 

Asst.     (  M.  S.  Beach. 
Supts.,  \  O.  B.  Coomes. 

Treas.,  C.  L.  Allen. 
Sec,  A.  J.  Tyler. 
Libr'n,  H.  S.  Jewell. 

1872. 
Supt.,  C.  C.  Duncan. 

Asst.     (  H.  B.  White. 
Supts.,  \  G.  W.  Brush. 

Treas.,  C.  L.  AUen. 
.SVr.,  A.  J.  Tyler. 
Libr'n,  H.  S.  Jewell. 


The  amount  of  salaries  annually  paid  by  Plym- 
outh Church  is  $35,300: 

Henry  Ward  Beecher,  Pastor $20,000 

Rev.  S.   B.  Halliday,  Helper 3,000 


1 68  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

Harvey  S.  Weld,  Chief  Sexton 3,500 

Charles  Raynor,  Assistant  Sexton..  1,200 

Music  (Organist  and  Quartette) 7,600 


$35,300 

*  Nine  of  the  original  "Twenty-one"  are  still 
connected  with  the  church  ;  t  six  are  deceased  ; 
and  %  six  have  dissolved  their  connection  by  re- 
moval. 

The  church  whose  membership  numbered 
twenty-one  in  1847,  numbers  over  thirty-three 
hundred  in  1872,  and  as  Henry  Ward  Beecher 
stands  upon  his  oft-trod  pulpit  platform,  and  gazes 
with  those  wondrous  eyes  down  upon  the  sea  of 
upturned  faces,  or  up  at  that  other  sea  of  faces 
downturned,  as  he  looks  into  the  depths  of  the 
countless  eyes  which  so  fondly  and  earnestly  re- 
gard him,  can  he  not  there  read  the  love — love  for 
him  and  his — the  depth  and  strength  of  which  each 
one  of  the  past  twenty-five  years  has  increased 
tenfold !     And   as  his    hand   wanders     carelessly 

*  John  T.  Howard,  Henry  C.  Bowen,  Richard  Hale,  Eli  C. 
Blake,  John  F.  Morse,  John  Webb,  Martha  Webb,  Louisa  Turner, 
and  Mary  Burgess. 

\  Lucia  Maria  Bowen,  Jira  Payne,  Rebecca  Morse,  Maria  Row- 
land, Alpheus  R.  Turner,  and  Benjamin  Burgess. 

%  Eliza  Payne,  Rachael  Knight,  Julia  Hale,  Charles  Rowland, 
Mary  Cannon,  and  David  Griffin. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  T6g 

through  his  silvering  locks  may  he  not  remember 
that  throughout  each  year,  which  has  helped  to 
frost  his  own  brown  hair,  hundreds  of  souls  have 
been  saved  by  him  and  through  him  !  And  may 
he  not — standing  in  the  midst  of  this  great  church 
and  Society,  this  great  harmonious  family,  which 
during  a  quarter  century  he  has  gathered  about 
him — may  he  not  regard  them  with  a  pardonable 
pride,  and  when  the -time  of  his  departure  is  at 
hand,  exclaim  :  ''I  HAVE  FOUGHT  A  GOOD  FIGHT, 
I  HAVE  FINISHED  MY  COURSE,  I  HAVE  KEPT 
THE  FAITH  !  " 


170  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


CHAPTER  TWELFTH. 

THE     SILVER     WEDDING     AND     THE     MEMORIAL 
FUND. 

T  a  meeting  of  Plymouth  Church,  Friday- 
evening,  July  5th,   1872;  Thos.   C.   Fan- 
ning, Moderator  ;.  S.  B.  Halliday,  Clerk  : 
On  Motion  by  Reuben  Ropes, 

Resolved — That  a  committee,  of  whom  three  to 
be  appointed  by  the  Pastor,  three  by  the  Board  of 
Deacons,  and  three  by  the  Board  of  Trustees, 
take  into  consideration  and  provide  for  a  suitable 
commemoration  of  the  twenty-fifth  Anniversary, 
in  October  next,  of  the  commencement  of  Mr. 
Beecher's  labors  and  association  with  this  church. 


In  pursuance  of  this  resolution,  there  was  ap- 
pointed as  such  committee  : 

By  the  Pastor — J.  C.  Eldridge,  J.  B.  Murray, 
A.  D.  Wheelock, 

By  the  Deacons — M.  K.  Moody,  D.  H.  Haw- 
kins, Reuben  Ropes, 


W£XjC>6jw^~> 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  \7i 

By  the   Trustees — H.  W.  Sage,    J.  B.  Hutchin- 
son, M.  S.  Beach. 


The  committee  met  at  the  Social  Parlors,  Mon- 
day evening,  July  8th,  1872  ;  H.  W.  Sage,  Chair- 
man ;  Geo.  A.  Bell,  Secretary.  On  motion  by 
Mr.  Beach, 

Resolved — That  Rev.  H.  W.  Beecher,  Rev. 
S.  B.  Halliday,  the  Superintendents  of  the  three 
Sunday-schools,  and  Henry  Camp,  leader  of  the 
choir,  be  invited  to  act  with  this  committee. 

After  general  discussion  of  the  object  in  view, 
on  motion  by  Mr.  Ropes, 

Resolved — That  the  commemoration  include — 

1. — A  meeting  of  the  children  of  the  three  Sun- 
day-schools. 

2. — A  social  Reunion  of  all  who  are  or  who 
have  ever  been  members  of  Plymouth  Church. 

3. — A  historical  meeting,  at  which  addresses 
shall  be  made  by  the  Pastor  and  others. 

4. — A  prayer  and  conference  meeting  of  those 
who  are  or  have  been  members  of  the  church. 

Resolved — That  to  secure  opportunity  for  the 
members  of  the  church  to  be  present,  the  admis- 
sion to  the  three  last-named  meetings  be  by 
ticket. 

Resolved — That  invitations  be  extended  to  the 


172  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

Congregational  Churches  of  Brooklyn  and  vicinity, 
to  be  represented  by  Pastor  and  Delegate. 

Resolved — That  the  necessary  arrangements  for 
the  several  meetings  be  made  by  an  Executive 
Committee,  and  that  J.  C.  Eldridge,  S.  B.  Halli- 
day,  M.  S.  Beach,  Reuben  Ropes,  and  J.  B. 
Murray  be  such  committee. 


The  Executive  Committee  then  met,  J.  C.  Eld- 
ridge in  the  chair,  and  elected  M.  S.  Beach 
permanent  chairman. 

After  discussion  of  the  business  before  them, 
and  the  adoption  of  sundry  resolutions  in  reference 
thereto,  adjourned  until  Thursday  evening,  July 
nth,  at  which  time  the  following  announcement 
and  order  of  exercises  was  ordered  to  be  printed : 

PLYMOUTH   CHURCH    SILVER  WEDDING. 

A  series  of  exercises  commemorative  of  the 
Twenty-fifth  Anniversary  of  the  organization 
of  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH  and  Sunday-school,  and 
of  the  settlement  of  Rev.  Henry  Ward  Beecher 
as  pastor,  will  be  held  in  the  Church  and  in  the 
lecture-room,  Sunday-school  room,  and  social  par- 
lors connected  therewith,  during  the  second  week 
of  October  next. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  ij$ 

These  exercises  will  consist  of — 

I. 

A  morning  prayer-meeting,  conducted  by  Rev. 
H.  W.  Beecher,  for  one  hour — from  eight  until 
nine  o'clock — on  each  of  the  days  appointed  for  the 
commemorative  exercises. 

II. 

An  afternoon  meeting — at  three  o'clock,  on 
Tuesday,  October  8th — of  the  children  of  the  three 
Sunday-schools  connected  with  Plymouth  Church, 
numbering  about  2,100  members  : 

Plymouth  Sunday-school,  C.  C.  Duncan 
Superintendent ,  800  members  ; 

The  Bethel  Sunday-school,  TJwmas  J. 
Tilney  Superintendent,  900  members  ; 

The  Navy  Mission  Sunday-school,  George 
A.  Bell  Stiperintejident,  400  members. 

This  gathering,  the  object  of  which  is  an  oppor- 
tunity for  cordial  greetings  between  pastor  and 
scholars,  will  be  directed  by  George  A.  Bell,  who 
has  been  intimately  connected  with  the  rise  and 
progress  of  the  several  schools ;  having  been,  in 
succession,  the  superintendent  of  each. 

III. 
A  social  reunion,  on  Tuesday  evening,  October 
8th,  of  every  person  who  is  now,  or  who  has  ever 


174  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

been,  an  officer  or  teacher  in  either  the  Plymouth, 
the  Bethel,  or  the  Navy  Mission  Sunday-schools ; 
from  the  very  first  organization  of  either  of  these 
schools  to  the  present  time. 

IV. 

A  social  reunion  on  Wednesday  evening,  Octo- 
ber 9th,  of  all  persons  who  are  or  who  have  been 
members  of  Plymouth  Church. 

This  reunion,  which  will  be  under  the  immediate 
management  of  the  Plymouth  Young  People's  As- 
sociation, is  expected  to  commence  at  four  o'clock 
in  the  afternoon  and  extend  through  the  evening,  a 
plain  lunch  being  served  as  a  means  of  refreshment 
to  those  who  reside  at  a  distance. 

V. 

A  general  and  historical  meeting  on  Thursday 
evening,  October  10th,  in  the  course  of  which  ad- 
dresses may  be  expected  by  Rev.  H.  W.  Beecher, 
Rev.  R.  S.  Storrs,  Rev.  W.  I.  Buddington,  and 
other  persons  who  have  been  prominently  con- 
nected with  the  establishment  of  Congregational 
churches  in  Brooklyn  and  its  vicinity. 

VI. 
A  final  prayer  and  conference  meeting  on  Friday 
evening,  October  nth,  presided  over  by  Rev.  H. 
W.  Beecher,  and  participated  in  by  many  to  whose 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  ^5 

active  exertions  the  existence  and  prosperity  of 
Plymouth  Church  is  largely  due.  At  the  close  of 
this  prayer-meeting  the  Lord's  Supper  will  be  cel- 
ebrated, and  suitable  words  of  parting  spoken. 

At  these  several  exercises  there  will  be  present, 
it  is  hoped,  every  survivor  of  the  twenty-one  per- 
sons by  whom  Plymouth  Church  was  first  organ- 
ized. This  little  band  of  survivors,  and  the  repre- 
sentations by  pastor  and  one  delegate  from  each 
of  the  neighboring  Congregational  Churches,  will 
be  received  as  specially  invited  guests. 

Suitable  provision  will  be  made  for  ample  floral 
and  other  decoration  of  the  church  and  of  the  sev- 
eral rooms  in  which  these  commemorative  exer- 
cises are  to  be  held,  the  decoration  being  under  the 
general  direction  of  Chas.  L.  Allen. 

John  Zundel  will  preside  at  the  great  organ  in 
the  church,  and  will  endeavor  to  introduce  original 
and  other  compositions  worthy  of  the  occasion. 

The  organ  in  the  Sunday-school  room  will  be 
presided  over  by  H.  N.  Whitney,  an  almost  life- 
long member  of  the  school. 

Mr.  Lasar,  the  first #  organist  of  Plymouth 
Church,  will  preside  at  the  piano.  Mrs.  Jameson, 
the  first  lady  vocalist  of  Plymouth  Church,  is  ex- 
pected to  be  present. 

The  choir  will  be  led  by  Henry  Camp,  who  will 

*  Incorrect ;  he  was  the  second  organist. 


iy6  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

also  arrange  and  conduct  the  musical  portions  of 
the  exercises,  as  well  in  the  social  as  in  the  Sunday- 
school  and  general  meetings. 

Miss  Clementina  Lasar,  Soprano  ;  Miss  Antoin- 
ette Sterling,  Contralto;  Mr.  Hill,  Te?ior ;  Mr. 
Camp,  Bass;  and  other  members  of  the  choir 
will,  it  is  expected,  lend  their  several  and  valuable 
aid  in  the  suitable  presentation  of  part  singing,  so 
far  as  that  may  be  appropriately  introduced. 


The  very  large  membership  of  Plymouth  Church 
— its  registry  already  numbering  above  3,300 — 
utterly  precludes  the  opening  of  these  several 
meetings  to  the  public,  or  even,  without  restric- 
tion, to  non-member  pew  occupants,  and  other 
regular  attendants  of  the  usual  services. 

The  Executive  Committee  will,  therefore,  after 
making  the  fullest  possible  arrangements  for  the 
prior  accommodation  of  those  entitled,  who  pro- 
vide themselves  with  the  necessary  admission  tick- 
ets, apportion  the  limited  space  which  may  there- 
after remain,  among  other  members  of  Plymouth 
Society. 

The  admission  tickets  will  be  provided  for  each 
person  who  is  now,  or  who  has  ever  been,  a  mem- 
ber of  Plymouth  Church,  or  an  officer  or  teacher 
of  either  of  the  Sunday-schools  ;    and  for   non- 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  ijy 

member  pew-holders  ;  but  they  will  not  be  trans- 
ferable, and  will  be  given  out  only  to  those  who, 
being  thus  entitled,  and  intending  to  be  present, 
may  apply  for  them,  personally  or  by  letter,  before 
October  1st. 

All  tickets  which  are  not  applied  for  before  Oc- 
tober ist,  will  then,  at  the  discretion  of  the  execu- 
tive committee,  be  apportioned  as  above  stated. 

Application  for  tickets  should  be  made  immedi- 
ately, and  every  applicant  should,  at  the  same 
time,  state  his  or  her  present  address  (and  if  wife, 
her  maiden  name),  and  the  year  of  their  connection 
with  the  church  or  school. 

Tickets  will  then  be  forwarded  to  the  address 
given,  during  the  month  of  September. 

As  one  means  of  increasing  the  general  interest 

to  be  derived  from  this  occasion,  and  at  the  same 

time  of  perfecting  the  church  records,  any  and  all 

information  as  to  the  present  residence,  if  living,  of 

any  person  who  is  now  or  who  has  ever  been  a 

member  of  Plymouth    Church,    or   an  officer    or 

teacher  in  either  the  Plymouth,  the  Bethel,  or  tjie 

Navy  Mission  Sunday-schools,  is  most  earnestly 

and  urgently  solicited,  from  the  parties  themselves, 

or  from  any  person  to  whom  the  facts  are  known. 

Particulars  of  the  death  of  any  such  member  are 

also  desired. 
8* 


i;8  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

Written  statements  of  incidents  connected  with 
the  history  of  the  Church  or  either  of  the  three 
Sunday-schools,  or  of  any  of  its  past  or  present 
members,  which  may  be  deemed  of  general  inter- 
est, are  also  solicited,  whether  from  church  mem- 
bers, or  from  friends  to  whom  the  incidents  are 
known. 

Address  all  letters  to  "  Plymouth  CHURCH, 
Brooklyn,  N.  Y." 

Make  personal  application  to  Rev.  S.  B.  Halli- 
day,  69  Hicks  St. 

f  Joseph  C.  Eldridge, 

c       ..     r        -+*       l  Reuben  Ropes, 
Executive  Committee.   I  s   R  Halliday, 

(Jacob  B.  Murray. 

M.  S.  Beach,  Chairman,  96  Columbia  Heights. 

Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  July  nth,  1872. 

These  exercises  were  necessarily  prolonged 
through  five  days,  to  better  enable  all  members  of 
the  church  and  Sabbath-schools,  and  the  pew- 
holders — numbering  more  than  six  thousand  per- 
sons— to  take  part  in  the  ceremonies. 

Monday,  October  7th  (1872),  was  the  opening 
day,  and  on  that  morning,  at  eight  o'clock,  the  first 
of  the  series  of  morning  prayer-meetings  was 
held  in  the  lecture-room.  The  pastor  conducted 
the  services.     No  tickets  were  required  to  obtain 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


179 


admission — all  were  cordially  invited  to  attend.  At 
four  o'clock  P.M.  the  members — 2,954  in  number — 
of  the  three  Sunday-schools  connected  with  the 
church  ; — Plymouth  Sunday-school,  C.  C.  Duncan, 
Superintendent;  Bethel  Sunday-school,  T.  J.  Til- 
ney,  Superintendent ;  Navy  Mission  Sunday- 
school,  George  A.  Bell,  Superintendent — assem- 
bled in  their  respective  school-rooms  in  Cranberry 
street,  Hicks  street,  and  Jay  street,  preparatory  to 
forming  in  line  of  procession.  At  five  o'clock  they 
united  and,  preceded  by  bands,  marched  past  Mr. 
Beecher's  house  on  Columbia  Heights. 

Toward  five  o'clock  Columbia  Heights  was 
thronged  with  an  anxious  crowd  eager  to  witness 
the  ovation  to  Mr.  Beecher.  Nor  were  they  dis- 
appointed, for  at  about  five  o'clock  the  roll  of  the 
drum  and  notes  of  instruments  were  heard  in  the 
distance,  and  presently  the  head  of  the  approach- 
ing column  wheeled  into  view,  the  van  being  led 
by 

THE  NAVY  MISSION  SCHOOL. 

Previous  to  the  arrival  of  the  processionists,  the 
steps  of  Mr.  Beecher's  house  were  crowded  with 
people,  some  friends,  some  strangers,  but  all  intent 
upon  the  one  all-important  object  to  swell  the  mul- 
titude by  their  presence,  and  assist  in  magnifying 


l8o  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

the  ovation  to  the  Plymouth  preacher.  In  the  cen- 
tre of  the  group,  upon  the  steps,  stood  the  Rev. 
Henry  Ward  Beecher,  his  face 

WREATHED   WITH   SMILES, 

and  the  very  personification  of  heartfelt  and  ex- 
ultant delight.  There  was  no  mistaking  it.  Mr. 
Beecher  looked  happier  than  he  had  ever  been 
known  to  look  before.  At  least  such  was  the  nat- 
ure of  many  remarks  passed  through  the  curious 
crowd.  A%  little  in  the  background,  sharing  the 
honor  of  her  husband,  stood  Mrs.  Beecher. 

There  were  also  there  to  help  on  as  welt  as  to 
enjoy  the  general  honors  of  the  occasion,  Miss 
Beecher,  Col.  Harry  Beecher,  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Scud- 
der  and  Miss  Scudder,  Rev.  S.  and  Mrs.  Scovell 
(Mr.  Beecher's  daughter)  and  family,  and  several 
other  relatives  and  friends.  The  bands  of  music 
having  been  stationed  in  favorable  positions,  they 
struck  up  enlivening  strains,  and 

THE    MARCH  PAST 

the  house  commenced.  First  came  the  Navy  School 
Mission  preceded  by  a  very  handsome  banner.* 
The  men  and  boys  took  off  their  hats,  and  saluted 
the  well-known  divine,  expressing  by  the  delight 
depicted  upon  their  faces  their  happiness  at  seeing 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  j8i 

him  and  love  for  him  in  their  hearts.  Mr.  Beecher 
bowed  and  smiled,  and  smiled  and  bowed  ;  he  ac- 
knowledged his  gratitude  in  every  possible  manner. 
Presently 

THE  BETHEL  MISSION 

came  in  view,  and  proudly  marched  past  the  home 
of  their  beloved  pastor,  rending  the  air  with  cheers 
and  shouts  in  the  exuberance  of  their  glee.  The 
Married  Men's  and  Women's  Class  were  also  there  ; 
of  these  there  could  not  have  been  less  than  250  or 
300,  and  all  saluted  Mr.  Beecher.     But  when 

HIS   OWN  PLYMOUTH  SCHOOL 

appeared,  the  enthusiasm  was  literally  unbounded. 
It  was  immense ;  handkerchiefs  were  waved,  ban- 
ners held  aloft,  smiles  everywhere,  cheers  trium- 
phant rent  the  air,  and  to  complete  one  of  the  most 
joyous  demonstrations  that  anyone  clergyman  was 
ever  made  the  recipient  of,  a  perfect  shower  of  the 
choicest  bouquets  were  cast  at  Mr.  Beecher's  feet. 
So  great  was  the  delight  of  the  little  girls,  that,  not 
satisfied  with  casting 

THE  FLORAL  TRIBUTES 

at  his  feet,  they  aimed  at  his  head  and  body,  one 
of  the  urchins  succeeding  with  admirable  precision 
in  planting  a  rosebud  on  Mr.  Beecher's  eye.     In 


1 82  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

scarce  three  minutes  the  stoop  was  made  a  glorious 
parterre  of  choicest  flowers.  When  all  had  passed 
by,  a  glance  at  Mr.  Beecher'sface  showed  that  he 
was 

VISIBLY  AFFECTED. 

The  wedding  procession  passed  by,  and  then 
they  were  escorted  by  their  respective  Superintend- 
ents, Mr.  Bell,  Mr.  Tilney,  and  Captain  Duncan, 
to  the  Plymouth  Church,  which  was  filled  in  about 
twenty  minutes.  The  appearance  of  the  galleries 
was  very  brilliant,  what  with  the  variety  of  bright 
colors,  the  array  of  beautiful  banners,  and  the  sea 
of  smiling,  happy  faces.  The  bands,  now  concen- 
trated into  one,  were  in  the  upper  gallery,  and 
played  some  delightful  music,  until  the  arrival  of 
the  pastor,  Mr.  Beecher.  Then,  indeed,  it  would 
have  needed  half  a  dozen  bands  to  have  drowned 

THE  ECHOING   CHEERS 

from  3,000  throats.  The  platform  was  occupied 
by  Messrs.  Bell,  Tilney,  Duncan,  Scovel,  and  Bird, 
with  the  Rev.  Henry  Ward  Beecher  and  Dr.  Scud- 
der. 

Mr.  Bird  came  forward  when  the  excitement  had 
subsided,  and  in  a  few  brief  words  called  upon  the 
entire  assemblage  to  sing  "Sing  unto  the  Lord  a 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  ^3 

New  Song,"  which  was  rendered  with  excellent 
effect  by  all  present. 

Mr.  Bird  then  introduced  Dr.  Scudder,  saying 
that  he  did  not  think  any  one  could  possibly  ad- 
dress a  pleasanter-looking  audience,  but  it  was 
rather  a  difficult  one  to  speak  to. 

Dr.  Scudder  on  coming  forward  said  that  he 
would  speak  a  little  to  the  children  and  a  little  to 
the  teachers,  but  that,  as  in  every  house  the  baby 
was  the  king,  he  would  address  the  children  first. 
Dr.  Scudder  here  told  a  fable  of  an  eagle  and  a 
wren,  in  which  the  eagle  claimed  the  ability  to  fly 
higher  than  any  bird,  but  when  it  had  soared  up  to 
its  utmost  limit,  the  wren,  which  had  nestled  in  its 
back,  rose  higher  still.  So,  he  said,  the  little  ones 
are  above  us,  no  matter  how  high  we  are.  Dr. 
Scudder  told  some  amusing  anecdotes,  and  de- 
lighted the  children  to  their  hearts'  content. 

When  Mr.  Beecher  came  to  the  front  of  the 
platform  he  was  received  with  cheers.  He  said 
that  it  ought  to  be  no  difficult  matter  for  him  to 
address  those  present,  having  had  great  experience 
in  public  speaking,  but  of  all  the  large  audiences 
he  ever  addressed,  however  important  the  subject, 
he  never  felt  it  more  difficult  to  speak  than  on  the 
present  occasion.  He  expressed  his  heartfelt 
thanks   to   all  present,  and   hoped  that  as   years 


I  84  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

rolled  on,  so  would  those  schools  increase  in  num- 
bers and  prosperity.  It  had  been  said  that  Plym- 
outh Church  was  only  intended  for  adults,  but  he 
would  defy  any  other  church  to  produce  so  many 
Sunday-school  children,  and  who  were  better 
cared  for.  Plymouth  Church  itself  was  but  barely 
large  enough  for  their  reception  alone,  and  there- 
fore it  was  impossible  for  them  to  join  with  the  con- 
gregation. He  then  referred  to  the  formation  of 
the  different  schools,  the  first  the  Plymouth,  num- 
bering originally  but  48 ;  the  Bethel,  and  the 
youngest,  the  Navy  Mission ;  and  a  more  comely 
and  happy  band,  collectively,  could  not  be  found. 

Mr.  Beecher  closed  by  expressing  the  hope  that 
they  would  all  be  gathered  into  that  garden  where 
their  Father  would  receive  them.  The  proceed- 
ings closed  by  singing  a  hymn. 

The  children  then  adjourned  to  their  several 
school-rooms,  where  they  expected  to  be  regaled 
on  ice-cream  and  cake,  but  owing  to  the  neglect 
or  incompetency  of  a  member  of  the  Refreshment 
Committee,  the  ice-cream  was  not  forthcoming 
and  the  children  were  greatly  disappointed.* 

After  being  allowed  a  brief  period  for  social  en- 
tertainment, they  were  dismissed,  and  thus  ended 

*  The  scholars  of  the  Navy  Mission,  at  the  school's  own  expense, 
received  their  ice-cream  on  an  evening  of  the  following  week. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  Y^ 

the  first  day  and  night  of  the  great  Silver  Wedding 
of  Plymouth  Church. 

The  second  day's  ceremonies  (Tuesday,  October 
8)  were  commenced  by  the  eight  o'clock  A.M. 
prayer-meeting  in  the  lecture-room. 

In  the  evening  there  was  a  reunion  in  the  Sun- 
day-school room  of  all  the  officers  and  teachers  of 
the  three  Sunday-schools.  Upwards  of  a  thou- 
sand tickets  were  issued,  and  the  rooms  were 
crowded  with  ladies  and  gentlemen.  Badges  of 
red,  white,  and  blue  ribbons  were  distributed  to 
the  officers  of  the  different  schools — white  to  those 
of  Plymouth  ;  and  a  different  color  to  each  of  the 
others.  Mr.  Beecher  wore  all  three  badges.  He 
looked  well,  and  was,  as  usual,  genial  and  kind  to 
all.  Excellent  music  was  furnished  by  Bernstein's 
band.  Refreshments  were  plentifully  supplied, 
and  the  reunion  was  of  a  very  pleasing,  social  char- 
acter. 

At  about  eight  o'clock  the  visitors  descended  to 
the  lecture-room,  which  was  handsomely  decorated 
for  the  occasion.  Across  the  ceiling  was  stretched 
an  immense  white  flag,  upon  which  was  described 
a  huge  circle  in  crimson,  with  "  1847 — 1872,"  em- 
broidered in  red,  white,  and  blue.  Below  the 
cornices  were  rows  of  little  silk  flags  in  groups  of 
threes ;  and  above  them  were  festoons  of  red  and 


1 86  PL  YMO  UTII  CIIUR  CII. 

blue  bunting.      Over  the  platform,  on  the  wall, 
was  inscribed  : 

One  family  in  Heaven  and  earth. 


"  One  is  your  master,  even  Christ,  and  all 
ye  are  brethren." 

Around  the  walls  were  fixed  the  gayly  colored 
banners  of  the  Sunday-school,  bearing  various  mot- 
toes and  texts  of  Scripture. 

The  Rev.  Henry  Ward  Beecher  presided,  sup- 
ported by  Messrs.  Henry  C.  Bowen,  George  A.  Bell, 
Thomas  J.  Tilney,  and  R.  Raymond  and  Andrew 
A.  Smith.  The  services  were  principally  conducted 
by  Brother  Bell.     Mr.  Lasar  presided  at  the  piano. 

The  proceedings  began  with  the  singing  of  a 
hymn  and  the  reading  of  a  portion  of  the  2ist 
chapter  of  John's  Gospel. 

Brother  Andrew  A.  Smith  led  in  prayer.  He 
said  they  lifted  up  their  hearts  to  the  great  Master 
of  assemblies,  who  had  promised  that  where  two 
or  three  were  gathered  together  there  would  He 
be  in  the  midst  of  them.  Oh,  that  God  would 
come  and  fill  all  their  souls  with  grace  divine.  He 
thanked  God  for  having  brought  so  many  of  the 
officers  and  teachers  of  the  schools  together.  He 
thanked  God  that  He  had  been  with  them  in  the 
past,  and  prayed  Him  to  be  with  them  in  the  fut- 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  187 

ure.  He  prayed  God  to  bless  their  pastor,  and 
all  the  officers,  teachers,  and  scholars  of  the  Sun- 
day-school :  and  may  the  blessings  that  were  past 
be  only  the  beginning  of  blessings  yet  to  come. 

The  beautiful  hymn,  "  Safe  within  the  Vail,"  was 
then  sung : 

"  '  Land  ahead  ! '  its  fruits  are  waving 

O'er  the  hills  of  fadeless  green, 
And  the  living  waters  laving 

Shores  where  heavenly  forms  are  seen ; 
Rocks  and  storms  I'll  fear  no  more, 

When  on  that  eternal  shore  ; 
Drop  the  anchor,  furl  the  sail, 

I  am  safe  within  the  vail." 

Brother  Bell  then  addressed  the  meeting,  and  re- 
lated some  interesting  points  of  his  experience  in 
connection  with  the  schools.  Twenty-five  years 
ago  he  became  a  teacher  in  Plymouth  Sunday- 
school,  and  took  a  class  under  Mr.  Bowen.  His 
principal  duty  for  some  time  consisted  in  lifting 
one  little  rascal  up  who  would  persist  in  getting  off 
his  seat  on  to  the  floor.  [Laughter.]  There  were 
no  infant  classes  in  the  schools  at  that  time.  That 
little  rascal  was  here  to-night  a  good,  Christian 
young  man.  He  had  asked  him  how  old  he  was  : 
"  Oh,  about  thirty."  So  he  was  just  five  years  old 
when  he  first  joined  the  Sunday-school.  He  was 
a  teacher  in  the  Bible-class  in  1854.     Well  did  he 


iSS  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

remember  the  old  school  with  round  benches  in 
Cranberry  street.  Do  you  remember  that,  Mr. 
Bowen  ?  said  he.  Oh  that  was  a  blessed  room. 
And  when  we  had  to  move  from  that  to  the  Taber- 
nacle, what  an  awful  place  it  seemed  to  hold  a  meet- 
ing in.  Looking  back  for  twenty-five  years,  I  can 
recollect  of  friendships  all  through  life.  How  the 
young  men  used  to  work  in'  the  Sunday-schools, 
and  in  the  young  men's  prayer-meeting.  How  we 
used  to  go  into  the  little  study  and  hold  our  prayer- 
meetings  of  a  Saturday  night.  Thoughts  of  our 
young  men  and  of  our  young  women  teachers  all 
come  back  to  me.  A  great  many  of  them  are 
passed  away ;  some  are  working  in  other  fields. 
Then  after  a  few  years  I  was  chosen  superintend- 
ent of  the  Sunday-school.  It  was  the  best  thing 
that  ever  happened  to  me.  Oh,  what  pleasure, 
joy,  and  comfort  I  have  derived  from  those  years 
of  work ;  what  love  I  have  gained  from  the  chil- 
dren !  Many  of  them  are  now  teachers.  Some  of 
them  have  not  yet  given  their  hearts  to  God,  but 
I  believe  they  will  do  so.  I  dare  not  go  down  to 
that  Bethel  School,  I  feel  so  strongly  about  it. 
Oh,  isn't  the  Sunday-school  pleasant  work  ?  Is 
there  anything  in  all  your  life  so  happy  ?  You  all 
look  so  happy  and  cheerful  that  I  am  sure  you  find 
it  so! 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  ^9 

After  the  singing  of  a  hymn,  Mr.  Bell  called  on 
Brother  Lowell,  "  who  was  superintendent  of 
Bethel  twenty  or  thirty  or  forty  years  ago. "  (Great 
laughter  and  applause.) 

•  Brother  Lowell  said  he  was  a  teacher  in  the  First 
Street  Church.  The  Sunday-schools  were  very 
different  from  what  Sunday-schools  are  now.  It 
was  a  whitewashed  stable,  and  the  boys  used  to 
come  and  throw  mud  and  stones  in  at  the  door. 
They  had  but  a  very  indifferent  library  ;  a  few 
books  which  the  teachers  themselves  contributed. 
The  teachers  also  defrayed  the  expenses  of  the 
school.  In  fact,  it  was  a  kind  of  domestic  concern. 
The  school  was  started  under  very  difficult  circum- 
stances ;  but  a  great  deal  of  good  was  done  in  that 
neighborhood,  which  was  a  very  poor  one.  They 
had  to  go  into  cellars  and  garrets  to  get  children. 
And  so  the  work  was  carried  on,  and  God  blessed 
it.  He  congratulated  Mr.  Beecher  on  the  success 
of  his  work,  and  on  the  good  he  had  done,  and 
hoped  he  would  be  long  spared  to  continue  the 
work  in  their  midst. 

After  the  singing  of  another  hymn,  Mr.  Bell  said  : 
Now  I  think  we  ought  to  hear  from  the  first  Super- 
intendent of  Plymouth  Sunday-school. 

Brother  Bowen,  after  a  few  preliminary  remarks, 
said  :  I  am  happy  to  be  here,  fellow-teachers  and 


IQO  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

fellow-workers  and  fellow-Christians.  I  am  happy 
to  be  here  to  mingle  my  thanksgiving  to  God  for 
His  goodness  to  me,  and  to  us  as  a  church,  and  to 
Brooklyn.  I  thank  God  for  His  goodness  to  us  as 
individuals  and  to  the  church  and  to  our  city,  so 
richly  blessed  with  Christian  privileges,  with  such 
faithful  Christian  ministers,  with  so  many  Christian 
influences,  with  so  much  of  everything  to  make  us 
happy — as  happy  as  we  can  expect  to  be  in  this 
career  on  earth.  But  our  object  is  principally  to 
speak  of  the  Sunday-schools  connected  with  this 
church  :  and  as  the  Bethel  has  been  referred  to,  I 
may  say  that  if  ever  I  had  any  fitness  to  be  a 
teacher  (and  I  never  professed  to  have  much)  I 
learned  it  in  Main  street.  A  very  good  lady,  now 
in  heaven,  a  member  of  the  Old  Presbyterian 
church,  said  to  me  :  "I  want  you  to  go  down  into 
Main  street,  and  help  me  at  some  evening  meet- 
ings." I  said  :  "What  do  you  want  of  me  there  ?  " 
She  replied  :  "  Well,  I  have  opened  a  room,  and 
have  invited  people  to  come  in  there  during  the 
afternoon  and  evening  :  and  in  a  week  Ave  were 
crowded,  and  I  want  you  to  come  and  help."  I 
said,  "  I  have  had  no  experience,  and  I  doubt  my 
capacity  to  fill  such  a  place.  You  had  better  go  to 
the  elders,  and  ask  them  to  designate  some  proper 
person."     However,  I  went  ;  and  in  a  short  time 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


19 


after,  Elder  Holbrooke  (a  very  Godly  man — now 
living,  I  am  happy  to  say)  was  sent  down  to  see  if 
that  young  man  and  that  lady  were  safe — fit  to 
teach.  He  reported  that  they  were  doing  some 
good — perhaps  no  harm — and  perhaps  they  had 
better  be  encouraged.  (Laughter  and  applause.) 
Well,  we  went  on,  and  that  meeting  grew,  and  I 
became  much  interested  in  the  work.  My  feelings 
on  behalf  of  those  in  our  city  who  did  not  enjoy 
the  privileges  that  we  enjoyed  were  first  kindled. 
I  found  there  were  people  who  needed  the  Gospel, 
beside  those  in  the  churches,  and  I  began  my 
labors  in  the  field  ;  and  it  was  blessed ;  and  a 
large  number  connected  themselves  with  the  church 
as  the  fruit  of  that  mission  effort.  When  this 
church  was  organized,  one  of  the  first  requests  of 
our  beloved  pastor  was  that  we  should  have  a 
Sabbath-school.  We  had  scarcely  got  together  as 
a  congregation  ;  we  did  not  know  each  other. 
His  first  request  when  he  came  here  to  survey  the 
field  was  that  we  should  have  a  Sunday-school. 
He  had  not  settled  whether  he  would  come  here 
or  not.  But  he  said,  "  Even  if  I  don't  come,  have 
a  Sunday-school.  Begin  on  a  pattern  that  shall 
mean  the  best  interest  of  the  entire  community, 
for  my  heart  is  with  you."  Well,  we  followed  his 
advice.     We  gave  notice  on  the  first  Sabbath  that 


192  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

there  was  to  be  a  special  organization  in  the  Sab- 
bath-school building.  We  were  surprised  when 
we  got  there.  We  found  about  fifty  promising 
young  persons  present,  and  without  any  manage- 
ment as  to  who  should  be  superintendent.  I  was 
elected,  or  appointed,  or  took  the  position,  I  don't 
recollect  how  it  was.  We  didn't  come  together  in 
any  way  to  show  any  authority  or  any  such  thing, 
but  we  came  together  to  do  good  ;  and  it  hap- 
pened, as  I  said,  that  I  occupied  the  position  of 
superintendent  for  a  short  time,  until  they  elected 
a  better  man  ;  and  they  have  had  better  men  ever 
since.  At  that  meeting  there  was  a  very  good 
spirit  shown,  and  I  felt  I  had  a  heavy  duty  upon 
my  hands.  Children  were  constantly  coming  in, 
and  we  were  anxious  to  have  the  house  full  on 
Sundays,  and  to  have  the  Sabbath-school  full.  I 
was  more  anxious  about  the  Sabbath-school  ;  for 
the  public  was  with  us,  and  we  had  many  special 
demonstrations  about  the  Sabbath-school.  God 
blessed  us  with  surprising  increase ;  and  we  were 
all  glad  and  happy.  I  have  served  this  church — 
as  many  officers  in  the  army  are  glad  to  say — from 
the  ranks  upward  as  far  as  trusteeship  and  as  being 
a  deacon.  I  feel  proud  and  happy  to  say  I  have 
labored  in  three  positions  with  a  sole  desire  to  pro- 
mote  the    general   good    and    prosperity   of  this 


PLYMOUTH   CHURCH.  193 

church  ;  and  I  count  it  a  matter  of  great  satisfaction 
that  I  began  in  the  Sabbath-school  in  this  church. 
It  gave  me  an  insight  into  my  own  needs,  my  own 
wants,  such  as  I  never  had  before.  I  believe  it  did 
me  more  good  than  anything  I  ever  attempted  to  do. 
When  I  gave  up  the  position  of  superintendent, 
and  a  better  man  was  appointed  in  my  place,  I 
didn't  lose  my  interest  in  the  work.  I  believed  I  was 
fitted  to  look  after  other  matters.  I  was  appointed 
door-keeper;  I  was  occupied  in  bringing  people 
into  the  church,  and  bringing  in  boys  ;  and  then  I 
looked  after  the  music  ;  for  sometimes  we  had 
one  singer,  and  sometimes  six  :  and  I  had  to  scour 
the  neighborhood  for  singers.  For  we  had  no 
congregation,  and  we  didn't  even  know  that  any 
of  us  would  unite  in  forming  a  church,  until  that 
man  (Mr.  Beecher)  came,  and  then  we  all  came. 
We  didn't  know  that  we  should  unite  in  forming  a 
church,  for  some  of  us  belonged  to  other  churches. 
But  when  he  came  we  were  all  determined  to  unite 
with  him.  My  dear  friends  I  am  happy  to  meet  you 
and  to  say,  "  God  bless  you  "  wherever  you  are, 
whether  in  St.  Louis  or  San  Francisco,  we  come 
here  to  recognize  no  other  ;  and  whatever  positions 
we  may  fill  now,  and  however  we  may  be  sep- 
arated, I  trust  we  shall  all  meet  again  hereafter; 

and  there  see  the  crowd  of  children  who  have  been 
9 


194 


PL  1 11/(9 1  ~TH  C1IUR  Clf. 


converted  by  these  means ;  I  hope  we  shall  all 
meet  them  on  that  shore  where  we  shall  all  be 
happy  forever  and  ever. 

The  hymn  "  Crown  Him  Lord  of  All,"  was  then 
sung. 

Brother  Holt  said  :  We  are  all  met  together  to 
give  a  reason  for  the  hope  that  is  in  us.  I  have 
been  very  happy  to  meet  you  here.  I  have  stolen 
considerable  gospel  from  Mr.  Beecher,  and  though 
some  have  said  he  is  not  orthodox,  I  have  always 
defended  him.  I  always  said  I  believed  he  was 
sound.  He  has  stirred  up  a  good  deal  of  interest, 
as  is  evident  here  to-night  ;  but  then  you  know  he 
has  a  Bell  which  always  rings. 

Brother  Bell — Yes,  time  is  passing  ;  let  us  have 
your  remarks — not  any  Bells.    [Laughter.] 

A  member — Xo,  bells  are  only  sounding  brass. 
[Renewed  laughter.] 

Brother  Holt — I  hope  you  will  allowr  me  to  con- 
gratulate myself  as  belonging  to  one  of  your 
schools.  I  went  down  to  the  Navy  Mission  in 
1859,  and,  after  performing  the  duties  of  teacher, 
they,  in  January,  1866,  very  unwisely  appointed 
me  superintendent.  During  that  year  a  very  im- 
portant revival  took  place.  Forty  or  fifty  persons 
were  converted.  I  stayed  there  till  1869,  and  the 
school  increased  and  grew,  especially  atter  I  left. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  +  Tg$ 

I  always  have  endeavored  to  remember  all  the 
scholars,  and  it  gives  me  great  pleasure  to  meet 
them  and  talk  to  them.  I  have  now  a  clan  of  little 
children,  little  girls — blessed  youth — they  are  a 
great  blessing  to  me.  It  is  no  irksome  task  to  me 
to  teach  them.  I  am  getting  along  to  that  time  of 
life  when  the  affections  of  a  father  begin  to  blos- 
som, and  I  like  to  instruct  them  ;  I  like  to  talk  to 
them  ;  I  like  to  think  of  them. 
The  meeting  sang  the  hymn  : 

"  Oh,  that  with  yonder  sacred  throng." 

Brother  A.  A.  Smith  :  I  went  down  to  the  Bethel 
and  took  charge  of  it  in  1848,  and  graduated  in 
1862.  They  asked  me  to  go  down  for  one  single 
day.  It  was  a  Mission  School,  a  new  thing  then, 
a  matter  quite  outside  of  the  church.  I  said,  "  I 
don't  know  much  about  the  work.  My  heart  goes 
out  to  it."  In  the  meantime  I  went  to  a  teachers' 
social  meeting  on  Fulton  avenue,  and  I  liked  them, 
and  was  interested  in  them.  So  I  went  down  the 
next  Sabbath,  and  there  seemed  to  be  indications 
on  the  part  of  the  teachers  that  I  was  to  be  super- 
intendent. But  the  Lord  spoke  to  me,  and  en- 
abled me  to  see  what  I  didn't  see  before  ;  and  it 
seemed  to  me  as  if  He  said,  "  Stay  here,  and  go  to 
work ;"  and    I   said,   "Lord,   what   qualifications 


196 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


have  I  ?  "  and  He  said,  "  I  will  give  you  all  you 

need."  I  looked  to  Him  and  trusted  to  Him.  I 
felt  there  was  a  great  work  to  do  in  this  triangle 
bounded  by  Fulton  street,  and  the  river,  and  Main 
street.  Right  opposite  to  us  was  the  old  stable 
and  a  house,  wherein  there  were  sixty  families. 
But  I  felt  that  with  the  help  of  the  Lord  we  could 
do  everything.  So  I  said,  "  Let  us  have  a  week 
of  prayer."  After  that,  when  I  went  down,  I  felt 
there  wras  an  atmosphere  in  the  school  that  I  had 
never  perceived  before.  We  had  a  prayer-meeting 
in  a  house  near  there,  and  by  and  by  it  increased 
so  much  that  we  had  to  go  to  a  larger  place. 
There  never  was  a  year  but  God  came  and  gave 
us  souls  for  our  hire.  I  think,  without  exception, 
there  were  as  noble  workers,  as  sincere  Christians, 
in  that  school  as  I  ever  met  with  ;  and  during  all 
those  fifteen  years  I  never  once  had  an  unkind 
word  with  teachers  or  officers.  The  parents  of  the 
children,  too,  take  so  much  interest  in  the  work. 
There  you  will  see  the  love  of  scholars  for  their 
school,  and  the  love  of  parents  for  the  institution 
also. 

Brothers  McKay  and  Ferris  made  a  few  remarks 
in  reference  to  their  connection  with  the  school. 

Brother  Henry  Whitney  said  Mr.  Bell  came  to 
him,  and  asked  him  to  come  down  and  play  the 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  jgy 

organ.  He  replied  he  could  not  play,  but  he 
would  come  and  try.  So  he  went  down  ;  and  he 
could  never  say  that  he  regretted  it.  It  had  been 
a  great  blessing  to  his  own  life. 

Rev.  H.  W.  Beecher — I  would  like  to  have  a 
little  light  about  this.  Here  is  one  brother  who 
says  he  could  never  sing  until  he  went  to  Sunday- 
school,  and  then  he  could  sing  well  enough  ;  and 
another  went  and  he  played  the  organ  although  he 
knew  nothing  about  it  before.  Why,  we  ought  to 
have  a  little  light  about  this.      [Laughter.] 

Brother  Bell — I  think  we  should  like  to  hear  Mr. 
Beecher's  views  on  the  general  subject. 

Rev.  Mr.  Beecher — I  am  warned  by  the  super- 
intendent that  you  are  only  to  have  short  speeches. 
But  I  am  satisfied  that  you  can't  get  up  in  such  a 
meeting  as  this  and  get  at  the  pith  of  the  subject 
in  short  speeches.  You  have  to  go  round  it,  and 
describe,  and  describe,  and  describe  it.  Well,  I 
think  ministers  are  likely  to  be  worse  than  any  of 
them.  I  can  only  say  I  have  had  a  very  happy 
evening  ;  and  now  I  will  set  you  an  example  of 
being  short. 

Brother  Morrill,  being  called  upon  by  one  of 
the  members,  gave  his  experiences  in  connection 
with  the  school ;  of  the  handful  who  were  con- 
nected with  it  when  it  was  organized,  but  few  re- 


198 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


maincd.  He  was  appointed  a  temporary  teacher. 
Then  he  took  a  Bible-class,  Brother  Corning  hav- 
ing vacated  the  position  of  superintendent  ;  and 
so  the  school  was  left  upon  the  speaker's  hands. 
So  in  January,  1 85 1 ,  he  was  elected  superintend- 
ent, and  for  ten  consecutive  years  had  the  blessed 
privilege  of  being  superintendent  of  this  school. 
Sabbath-schools  are  far  different  things  now  to 
what  they  were  in  those  days.  Formerly  they 
were  a  mere  appendage  to  the  church  ;  now  they 
are  a  power  in  themselves. 

Brother  Bell  intimated  that  it  was  time  for  the 
meeting  to  close,  but  several  persons  seemed  in- 
clined to  speak,  when  Rev.  Mr.  Beecher  said  when 
forty  or  fifty  people  got  together  and  attempted  to 
give  their  experience,  we  do  not  get  the  best  part 
of  it.  There  wasn't  a  man  who  had  spoken  there 
who,  when  he  sat  down,  did  not  feel,  "  I  haven't 
said  the  thing  I  wanted  to  say."  The  thing  that 
is  unsaid,  is  more  than  the  thing  that  is  said — the 
things  that  lie  back  in  the  heart.  God  knows 
them,  the  angels  know  them.  "The  kingdom  of 
God  is  within  you  ;  "  and  these  mysteries  of  expe- 
rience can  never  be  communicated  ;  and  in  regard 
to  the  work  of  these  schools  and  the  life  of  this 
church,  it  had  not  been  in  mere  externals  ;  and 
people  did  not  know  the  hundredth  part  of  what 


PL  1  'MO  UTH  CHUR  CH. 


1 99 


had  been  accomplished.  The  best  history  of  this 
church  is  not  that  which  is  written,  but  that  which 
will  lie  secret  till  the  last  day. 

After  singing  a  few  more  verses,  the  pastor  gave 
the  benediction,  and  the  company  adjourned  to 
the  upper  room,  when  refreshments  were  served, 
and  the  remainder  of  the  evening  spent  in  social 
conversation,  interspersed  with  music. 

Wednesday  morning,  at  eight  o'clock,  the  usual 
prayer-meeting  was  held  for  one  hour,  conducted 
by  Mr.  Beecher. 

At  four  o'clock  P.M.,  the  Sunday-school  rooms 
were  opened  preparatory  for  the  general  reunion 
during  the  evening,  and  at  five  o'clock  the  lecture- 
room  and  social  parlors  were  also  thrown  open, 
and  a  plain  lunch  of  tea,  coffee,  and  sandwiches 
served  to  those  whose  homes  were  distant. 

Until  eight  o'clock  the  company  remained 
around  these  rooms,  but  at  that  hour  the  doors  of 
the  church  were  thrown  open,  and  thither,  in  the 
words  of  the  programme,  they  repaired,  to  indulge 

"IN   MIXED  INTELLECTUAL   AXD    MUSICAL  EXER- 
CISES."    ' 

In  a  few  minutes  after  the  doors  had  been 
thrown  open,  not  a  seat  was  to  be  had  in  the  house. 
It  was  filled  all  round,  up  and  down.     The  scene 


200  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

was  decidedly  impressive.     There  in  the  pews  sat 

little  short   of  three   thousand   men    and  women, 

cultured  and  refined  in  every  faculty,  all  delighting 

in   their  connection  with  Plymouth  Church,    and 

proud  to  think  that  at  one  time  or  another  they 

had  been  among  the  congregation  superintended 

by   Mr.    Beecher.     The   building  was    splendidly 

decorated  for  the  occasion.    The  pulpit  was  almost 

a  solid  bank  of  flowers,  woven  into  all  manner  of 

curious  and  fitting  emblems.     The  galleries  were 

completely  circled  with  rare  and  delicate  plants, 

and   the   usually  bare  white  walls  were,   by  deft 

workmanship,  made  to  blossom  like  the  rose.    The 

organ,   even,   itself  an  ornament,  was   subject   to 

still  further  adornment,  and  poured  out  its  music 

through    perfumed   wreaths,    crosses,    harps,  and 

horns. 

THE   ENTERTAINMENT 

was  opened  by  a  fine  voluntary  on  the  organ,  by 
Mr.  Zundel,  followed  by  the  quartette  rendering 
of  "  Home,"  by  Miss  Lasar,  Miss  Sterling,  Mr. 
Hill,  and  Mr.  Camp. 

Dr.  Edward  Beecherthen  offered  a  short  prayer, 
after  which  the 

REV.  HENRY   WARD   BEECHER   SAID  : 

"  It  will  be  twenty-five  years  to-morrow  since 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  20I 

my  personal  connection  with  this  church  began. 
During  that  twenty-five  years  the  church  has  been 
related  to  the  work  of  the  age  in  more  important 
respects  than  is  generally  understood  or  remem- 
bered. It  has  always  been  a  matter  of  faith  with 
me  that  the  great  object  contemplated  by  the  gos- 
pel of  Christ  would  fail  of  accomplishment,  if  left 
chiefly  to  the  hands  of  the  professional  clergy, 
and  that  there  never  would  be  the  work  done  that 
was  necessary  until  the  whole  body  of  Christians 
became,  as  it  were,  ministers  of  Christ.  Among 
the  earliest  things  that  I  had  in  my  mind  when  I 
came  here  at  first,  was,  if  God  pleased  to  gather 
together  a  body  of  Christian  men  and  women  who 
would  influence  religiously  every  place,  not  merely 
to  be  witnesses  of  Christ,  but  to  work  together 
with  me  under  the  gospel.  This  desire  has  been 
answered.  There  has  been  for  the  last  twenty- 
five  years,  in  connection  with  Plymouth  Church,  a 
largely  increasing 

DEVOTED   BAND   OF  MEN  AND   WOMEN, 

pledged  to  the  carrying  forward  of  all  humane  ob- 
jects ;  a  more  active,  more  zealous  company  I 
have  never  known.  Now  in  this  anniversary  week 
it  seemed  to  me  that  if  we  gave  Monday  to  the 
children  (and  a  beautiful  day  it  was,  and  a  sight 


202  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

finer  than  which  I  never  expect  to  see  until  we 
meet  in  the  New  Jerusalem),  if  we  gave  Tuesday 
to  the  reunion  and  congratulation  of  teachers  and 
officers  of  the  various  schools,  then  Wednesday, 
which  is  a  church  day,  might  be  set  apart  as  a  day 
on  which  to  speak  of  the  church  history,  as  some- 
thing apart  from  the  history  of  the  pastor.  And 
to-night,  although  much  provision  has  been  made 
for  music,  which  you  will  all  of  you  wait  upon  with 
pleasure  (for  you  will  have  to  wait  until  you  get 
it),  it  has  seemed  proper  to  interject  such  reminis- 
cences and  accounts  of  the  early  history  of  the 
church,  as  would  put  in  possession  of  those  who 
joined  later  some  of  those 

FACTS   WHICH    ARE    IX   DANGER   OF  BEING  FOR- 
GOTTEN. 

"  This  evening  will  therefore  be  occupied  chiefly 
with  statements  that  turn  largely  upon  the  early 
history  of  the  church.  Here,  however,  let  me 
say,  that  in  1846,  while  I  was  living  in  Indiana,  an 
innocent-looking  gentleman,  then  to  me  unknown, 
presented  himself  to  me,  and  introduced  himself 
as  from  Brooklyn  ;  but  you  must  know  who  this 
man  is,  as  he  afterward  played  an  important  part 
in  the  affairs  of  this  Church — he  proved  to  be  a 
conspirer  against  my  person  ;  he  was  nothing  less 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  203 

than  a  spy — that  person  was  Mr.  W.  T.  Cutter. 
He  induced  me  to  go  with  him  on  fishing  excur- 
sions, for  drives  and  other  amusements,  and  when 
he  had  got  out  of  me  what  he  wanted,  he  told  of 
his  deep-laid  scheme  of  getting  me  away  from  the 
land  of  the  West.  He  will  give  you  an  account  of 
the  nefarious  steps  which  he  took  to  secure  my 
person  in  the  shape  of  a  pastor.  He  is  here,  and 
I  now  call  upon  him  to  tell  his  own  story."  [Ap- 
plause.] 

MR.  CUTTER, 

a  gentleman  about  sixty  years  of  age,  then  got  on 
the  platform,  and  proceeded  to  state  how  he  car- 
ried on  his  negotiations  with  young  Beecher, 
touching  the  transfer  of  his  person  to  Brooklyn. 
He  (Cutter)  had  heard  of  Beecher  while  travelling 
in  the  West,  and  when  Plymouth  Church  was  es- 
tablished, it  occurred  to  him  that  Beecher  was  the 
man  to  fill  the  pulpit.  With  this  object  he  went 
to  Indiana,  heard  the  young  man,  and  was  more 
than  satisfied.  He  then  fixed  matters  with  the 
New  York  Missionary  Society,  so  that  they  brought 
him  in  here  to  preach  their  anniversary  sermon, 
and  thereby  gave  the  Plymouthites  a  chance  to 
satisfy  themselves  concerning  his  qualifications. 
They  were  satisfied,  determined  to  call  him  ;  did 


204  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

call  him,  and  he,  Cutter,  hung  around  Indiana, 
using  all  the  influence  he  could  command  until 
Beecher  determined  to  accept  the  call.  Mrs. 
Becchcr  was  then  in  ill-health,  and  had  been  told 
that  eastern  air  was  necessary  for  her  restoration, 
and  this,  among  other  things,  was  one  of  Mr. 
Beecher's  strongest  reasons  for  coming  to  Brook- 
lyn. 

At  the  conclusion  of  Mr.  Cutter's  remarks 

MR.    HENRY   C.    BOWEN 

was  introduced,  and  read  a  lengthy  paper  on  the 
history  of  the  church. 

At  the  conclusion  of  Mr.  Bowen's  recital,  an  in- 
teresting letter  from  Mr.  John  T.  Howard,  dated 
at  Chicago,  was  read.  Mr.  Howard  was  among 
the  founders  of  the  church,  and  his  letter  in  a 
general,  but  very  pleasant  way,  dealt  with  his 
recollections  of  the  early  days  of  the  movement.  * 

A  letter  signed  "An  Old  Member  of  the 
Church,"  and  another  signed  "  One  of  the  Young 

*  A  letter  from  Mr.  Sherman  Day — once  a  prominent  member 
of  the  Society  but  now  a  resident  of  Bacon's  Island,  San  Joaquin 
River,  California — was  also  read.  Several  letters  written  by  Mr. 
Beecher  to  Mr.  Henry  C.  Bowen,  relative  to  his  acceptance  of  the 
pastorship  of  the  church  in  1847,  were  obliged  to  be  omitted  owing 
to  want  of  time,  but  were  published  in  the  Brooklyn  Union  of  Octo- 
ber nth  (1872). 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  20 5 

Members,"  were  also  read.  These  eulogized  the 
preaching  of  Mr.  Beecher,  and  thanked  Heaven 
that  they  had  been  brought  under  his  benign  influ- 
ence. After  they  had  been  disposed  of,  the  fol- 
lowing 

MUSICAL  PROGRAMME 

was  rendered  effectively  : 

Song — " My  Queen" — Mr.  Baird Blumenthal. 

Duet — "The  Swallows" — Miss  Lasar  and  Miss 

Finch Kucken. 

"Glee — "  King  Wittlaff's  drinking  home  " Hatton. 

Messrs.    Bush,     Rockwood,    Baird,  and 
Camp. 

Song — "  The  Message  " — Miss  Lasar Blumenthal. 

Song—"  Brightest  Eyes  "—Mr.  Hill Stogelli. 

Quartette — "  You  stole  my  love" G.  McFarren. 

Miss  Lasar,  Miss  Finch,  Mr.  Bush,  and  Mr. 
Baird. 
Solo— "  Prayer    from    La  Vestale  " — Mrs.    F. 

Jackson Mercadante. 

Quartette—"  Red,  Red  Rose  " Patton. 

Miss   Sterling   and    Messrs.  Bush,  Rockwood, 
and  Camp. 
Song — "  The  Yeoman's  Wedding" — Mr.  Baird. Poniatowskie. 
Song  and  Chorus — "  Auld   Lang  Syne  " — Miss 

Sterling Scotch. 

During  the  evening,  Mr.  S.  Lasar,  the  second 
organist  of  Plymouth  Church,  presided  at  the 
piano  in  the  church,  and  Mr.  H.  N.  Whitney  at 
the  organ  in  the  Sunday-school  room. 

Thursday,  the  fourth  day  of  the  festival,  was 


206  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

commenced  with  the  usual  morning  prayer-meet- 
ing at  eight  o'clock,  open  to  all. 

The  following  pictures  had  been  kindly  loaned 
to  the  Society  for  exhibition  in  the  evening  : 

Nos.  Subject.  Artist. 

1.  The  Desire  of  all  Nations J.  A.  Oertel. 

2.  The  Haymaker's  Ford A.  F.  Fellows. 

3.  The  Grindstone J.  C.  Thorn. 

4.  Morning  in  Belgium Van  Luppen  of  Antwerp. 

5.  Donkey's  Breakfast Lafant  de  Metz. 

6.  At  the  Well W.  Amberg. 

7.  Ideal  Head Geo.  A.  Baker. 

8.  Coming  Storms Geo.  Inness. 

9.  Marriage  of  St.  Catherine After  Correggio. 

10.  The  Bath Paul  Soyer. 

n.  Morning  Devotion Paul  Soyer. 

12.  Forest  in  Westphalia A.  Arnz. 

13.  "  Under  His  own  Vine" J.  Oertel. 

14.  The  Love  Letter W.  Amberg. 

15.  At  the  Fountain. , C.  Bran. 

16.  My  Old  Mammy T.  W.  Wood. 

17.  The  Launch J.  C.  Thorn. 

18.  An  Old  Friend Rockwood. 

19.  Sweet  Violets J.  Patrois. 

20.  Fisherman's  Daughter Geo.  A.  Baker. 

21.  A  Catskill  Stceam A.  B.  Durand. 

22.  The  Little  Knitter G.  C.  Lambdin. 

23.  Blowing  Bubbles G.  C.  Lambdin. 

24.  Lake  George J.  F.  Kensett. 

25.  The  Favorite  Plant Gamba. 

26.  Prayer  by  Moonlight Lecomte  de  Nouy. 

27.  Our  Pel G.  A.  Baker. 

2S.  Heads  of  Children G.  A.  Baker. 

The  church  doors  were  opened  in  the  evening 
promptly  at  six  o'clock,  and  the  auditorium  was 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  20J 

soon  crowded.  This  was  the  Historic  Meeting 
Night.  Rev.  Drs.  Edward  Beecher,  Theodore  L. 
Cuyler,  and  W.  I.  Buddington  occupied  the  pulpit 
with  Mr.  Beecher,  and  Rev.  Dr.  R.  S.  Storrs 
subsequently  joined  them. 

The  services  began  with  a  voluntary  on  the 
organ  by  Mr.  Zundel,  which  was  followed  by  an 
Anthem,  Quartette  and  Chorus  from  the  Oratorio 
of  Elijah— "  Holy,  Holy,  Holy  is  God  the  Lord," 
— by  Misses  Lasar,  Finch,  Toedt,  and  Sterling, 
and  chorus  by  the  choir. 

The  Thirteenth  Chapter  of  First  Corinthians  was 
then  read,  and  prayer  offered  by  Dr.  Cuyler. 
After  the  audience  had  sung  the  199th  hymn 
(Plymouth  Collection),  Mr.  Beecher  arose  and 
said  : 

"  This  is  the  last  day,  in  one  respect,  of  the  days 
set  apart  for  the  commemoration  of  the  founding 
of  this  church,  and  its  quarter  of  a  century  of 
history.  To-morrow  night  we  resume  the  accus- 
tomed meetings,  so  that  we  close  writh  the  Friday- 
night  prayer-meeting,  after  which  the  Lord's  Sup- 
per will  be  administered.  To-night  we  are  assem- 
bled to  listen  to  some  few  statements  regarding  the 
history  of  this  church.  So  far  as  I  am  concerned, 
I  propose  to  look  at  it  from  my  own  standpoint. 
I  find  myself  met  at  the  beginning  of  my  work  this 


208  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

evening  with  some  embarrassments.  Among  the 
swarm  of  memories  that  arise  in  these  years  of  ac- 
tive labor,  almost  unbroken  by  sickness,  and  run- 
ning through  such  a  period  of  time  as  the  last 
twenty-five  years  have  been,  both  in  the  world  and 
in  our  own  country — such  an  abundance  of  mate- 
rial is  laid  up  that  it  would  be  impossible  to  bring 
them  all  within  the  compass  of  a  reasonable  time. 
And  yet,  to  speak  of  anything  less  than  that  which 
I  have  been  in  sympathy  with — the  inward  living 
life  of  the  Church,  seems  almost  a  mockery.  There 
is  also  another  element  of  embarrassment — I  can- 
not speak  of  the  progress  of  this  church  without 
referring  more  or  less  to  myself.  If  I  succeed  in 
doing  so  without  offensive  egotism,  I  shall  satisfy 
my  own  judgment.  I  believe  men  have  sacrificed 
a  great  deal  too  much  to  this  dread  of  speaking 
about  themselves,  and  if  the  work  of  the  Gospel  in 
men's  hearts  were  more  often  spoken  of  the  Gospel 
would  get  back  again  that  living  power  which  it 
had  when  it  was  first  preached.  St.  Paul  had  none 
of  this  kind  of  dread.  He  was  constantly  speaking 
of  I,  and  I,  and  I — making  religion  a  personal  ex- 
perience, and  not  dry  didacticism  or  formal  state- 
ment. I  came  to  this  city  without  anticipating  any. 
future  here.  It  had  pleased  God,  during  the  ten 
years  that  I  labored  in  the  West,  to  fill  the  church 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


209 


with  His  Spirit ;  and  great  and  continuous  revivals 
had  prevailed  all  through  that  region.  I  had  la- 
bored with  all  my  heart  and  with  all  my  soul ;  and 
when  from  reasons  that  I  need  not  detail,  I  was 
brought  to  this  new  field,  I  came  with  all  the  in- 
spiration and  ardor  which  had  been  gathered  by 
my  ministry  in  this  work  of  saving  souls.  At  my 
first  coming  I  had  no  plans.  I  had  marked  out  no 
future.  I  had  no  theories  to  establish  ;  no  systems 
to  found  ;  no  theories  to  demolish  ;  no  oppugna- 
tion  of  any  kind.  I  remember  distinctly  that  I 
held  account  with  myself,  and  that  I  came  into  this 
field  simply  and  only  to  work  for  the  awakening  of 
men,  for  their  conversion  to  Christ,  and  for  their 
establishment  in  a  Christian  life.  I  thought  of  but 
one  thing — the  love  of  Christ  to  man.  I  believed 
that  to  be  the  greatest  influence  in  this  world ;  that 
it  raised  man  to  the  highest  manhood,  and  pre- 
pared him  for  translation  into  a  higher  and  better 
sphere.  My  purpose  was  to  preach  Christ ;  and, 
though  I  preferred  the  polity  and  economy  of  the 
Congregational  Church,  yet  I  felt  that  God  was  in 
all  other  churches,  and  it  was  no  part  of  my  min- 
istry to  fire  off  sectarian  bombs,  but  to  find  my 
way  to  the  hearts  of  men.  I  said  that  I  had  no 
theory  ;  but  I  had  a  very  strong  impression  that 
the  first  five  years  in  the  life  of  a  church  would 


2IO  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

determine  the  history  of  that  church  for  many 
years  after.  If  the  early  years  were  controversial 
or  barren,  it  would  take  scores  of  years  to  rid  it  of 
that  malign  influence  ;  that  if  it  were  consecrated, 
active,  energetic  during  those  first  five  years,  it 
would  go  on  in  their  genius,  developing  the  same 
graces  in  subsequent  years  ;  and  my  supreme  anx- 
iety in  gathering  a  church  was  to  keep  them  unit- 
ed in  a  loving  temper.  I  longed  to  see  developed 
amongst  us  that  social  and  contagious  part  of  reli- 
gion which  we  call  a  revival.  In  the  course  of 
the  first  year  it  pleased  God  to  give  us  a  revival. 
Many  of  those  who  have  been  most  earnest  mem- 
bers were  gathered  in  at  that  first  revival.  From 
year  to  year  these  have  occurred,  and  the  history 
of  this  church  has  been  filled  with  great  and  glori- 
ous revivals  of  religion.  But  there  is  even  a 
higher  type  of  religion  than  in  the  revival  ;  the 
spirit  of  the  church  may  become  so  rife  that  re- 
ligion may  be  a  part  of  their  ordinary  conversation 
and  daily  labor  ;  and  so,  in  this  long  summer,  every- 
thing will  be  mellowed.  This  is  still  better  than 
a  fugacious  revival  of  religion.  Nevertheless,  a 
church  must  go  through  a  long  training  of  religion 
before  it  can  reach  this  point.  And  in  the  early 
history  of  a  church  great  things  are  to  be  prayed 
for,  that  they  may  be  visited   with  revivals,  and 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  2II 

that  at  last  they  may  come  so  frequently  as  to 
form  a  perpetual  summer.  Well,  it  may  be  said 
of  you  that  if  we  divide  the  life  of  this  church  in 
periods  of  five  years,  the  last  five  years  has  been 
one  of  greater  in-gathering  than  any  other  period 
— even  those  of  '48  and  '49,  or  '58  and  '59,  which 
were  marked  with  such  magnificent  and  extraordi- 
nary works  of  grace.  There  has  been  a  steady  rise, 
intermitted  by  national  excitements ;  but,  on  the 
whole,  there  has  been  a  steady  increase  in  the 
ratios  of  the  last  twenty  years  ;  and  the  last  period 
of  five  years  was  the  most  fruitful.  I  may  speak 
of  the  life  of  this  church  in  reference  to  what 
may  be  considered  its  fundamental  inspiration.  I 
should  not  be  just  to  the  truth,  I  should  not  be 
just  to  the  Divine  Witness,  if  I  did  not  affirm  my 
earnest  conviction  that  the  power  which  has  been 
displayed  has  not  resided  in  those  things  that  were 
most  talked  about  and  attracted  attention  the 
most.  That  part  of  our  church  life  which  is  most 
conspicuous,  and  has  been  inspected,  has  been  the 
effect  and  not  the  cause.  My  opinion  is  that  the 
abiding  influence  has  been  faith  and  love  in  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.  This  has  been  the  living  root, 
and  every  branch  that  has  borne  fruit  has  been  in 
vital  connection  with  this  root.  In  regard  to  my 
own  ministry,  my  judgment  of  the  efficiency  of 


212  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

it  is,  that  it  was  due  simply  and  mainly  to  my  deep 
and  ardent  faith  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  to 
me  fills  the  whole  sphere  of  affection,  and  of  whom 
I  can  say,  'Whom  have  I  in  Heaven  but  Thee.' 
At  certain  times  I  have  felt  almost  as  the  Apostles 
did,  who  had  seen  Him  and  walked  with  Him  ; 
and  during  all  my  ministry,  my  own  personal  sup- 
port and  the  secret  of  the  vital  piety  of  this  church 
has  been  faith  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  It  has 
been  an  earnest,  living  church.  It  has  been  a 
power  in  this  community.  In  my  preaching,  a 
change  of  emphasis  has  been  made,  as  compared 
with  the  emphasis  aforetime  given  in  New  Eng- 
land theology.  That  theology  had  put  the  em- 
phasis on  conscience  and  that  which  represents 
law.  It  has  presented  the  conscience  in  intimate 
connection  with  fear,  and  conscience  and  fear  have 
been  largely  developed  as  the  prime  constituents 
of  religion.  But,  partly  from  my  own  personal 
experience,  a  change  of  emphasis  has  been  made 
in  my  preaching,  and  I  have  put  the  emphasis  on 
Divine  Love,  and  have  made  conscience  and  fear 
secondary.  I  have  never  sought  to  rid  preaching 
of  the  sense  of  responsibility,  nor  of  a  wholesome 
fear.  But  love  is  the  true  representation  of  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  I  have  endeavored  always 
to   express   this   in   my  preaching,  and  from  the 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  213 

fruits  that  have  followed  the  course  is  justified. 
I  have  preached  that  love  out  of  which  was  born 
the  whole  world ;  love  that  fills  the  spheres  ;  love 
that  fills  the  infinite  heart,  and  one  of  whose 
manifestations  was  the  earthly  life  of  the  Son  of 
God,  Jesus,  our  Master.  One  of  the  fruits  of  this 
emphasis  has  been  seen  in  the  development  of  this 
great  church,  of  which  there  have  been  more  than 
three  thousand  members.  There  has  been  ex- 
hibited a  spirit  of  fellowship,  of  concord,  of  co- 
operative zeal  and  harmony  in  it  that  I  think  has 
scarcely  had  a  parallel  in  the  history  of  the  Chris- 
tian Church.  Considering  that  our  life  has  been 
cast  in  stormy  times,  and  that  we  have  had  here 
men  representing  every  shade  of  opinion,  speci- 
mens of  almost  every  recognized  sect  in  Christen- 
dom ;  and  during  the  discussion  of  many  social 
questions,  and  taking  part  in  all  the  reforms,  and 
speaking  of  them  in  open  meeting,  when  every  man 
had  the  utmost  liberty,  we  may  well  rejoice  that 
there  has  been  an  unbroken  unity  in  this  church — 
not  a  seam,  not  a  crack,  not  a  flaw.  There  never 
has  been  a  time  when  the  officers  have  had  to  take 
counsel  how  to  keep  the  church  together,  or  how 
to  destroy  a  clique  or  a  party.  We  have  been 
without  them.  I  attribute  this  to  Divine  Love, 
which  has  entered  into  the  hearts  of  this  people, 


214  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

and  which  they  have  emphasized  more  than  any- 
other  Christian  experience.  There  is  another  ele- 
ment :  the  life  of  this  church  has  been  developed 
along  the  currents  of  music.  We  have  been  a 
singing  people.  The  reading  of  hymns  cannot  be 
without  profit ;  but  no  man  knows  anything  of 
hymnology  who  does  not  sing.  From  the  very 
beginning  of  this  church  it  was  given  to  it  to  de- 
velop the  element  of  sacred  song.  We  all  sing — the 
young  and  the  aged — in  all  the  meetings  of  our 
churches  ;  in  our  prayer-meetings,  in  our  houses, 
from  first  to  last  the  spirit  of  sacred  song  has 
been  warm,  strong,  impetuous.  I  believe  that  has 
largely  influenced  the  under-current  of  the  life  of 
this  church.  A  thousand  sermons  can't  put  down 
heresy  so  fast  as  a  hundred  hymns.  Hymns  have 
elevated  the  hearts  of  men,  time  and  time  again  ; 
yes,  and  have  borne  their  souls  to  the  very  thresh- 
old of  the  heavenly  land.  We  think  of  those  who 
have  gone,  we  think  of  heaven,  and  it  is  made  a 
cause  of  song.  We  here  and  they  there  sing 
together.  '  Well,  then,  this  church,  having  this 
sympathy  with  men  and  with  God,  has  been  zeal- 
ous in  all  the  great  social  reforms  of  the  times — 
anti-slavery,  temperance,  and  so  on.  Mistake  me 
not.  If  this  church  had  been  founded  on  an 
anti-slavery   or  temperance  basis   alone,  I    should 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


215 


consider  it  unworthy  of  the  notice  it  has  had.  But 
the  spirit  which  prompts  to  these  reforms  has  been 
developed  in  us.  It  has  been  developed  as  a  philo- 
sophical necessity.  It  has  been  impossible  to  live 
up  to  the  character  of  the  Son  of  God  ;  to  take  to 
heart  the  command,  '  Thou  shalt  love  thy  neigh- 
bor as  thyself;  '  it  has  been  impossible  to  disclose 
what  God  has  done  for  man,  and  at  the  same  time 
leave  man  indifferent  as  to  what  concerns  the  race. 
This  is  the  spring  of  the  labors  of  this  people  in  the 
cause  of  temperance.  And  though  in  the  main  it 
has  not  transgressed  the  great  principle  of  individ- 
ual liberty,  and  it  is  not  a  condition  of  church 
membership  that  a  person  abstain  entirely,  yet  it 
is  a  subject  of  inquiry  and  consideration.  Tem- 
perance is  the  product  of  religion,  not  its  substi- 
tute. I  suppose  that  in  many  parts  of  the  land 
Plymouth  Church  is  synonymous  with  anti-slavery, 
with  abolition  ;  and  people  have  supposed  that  it 
was  the  main  business  of  the  church  to  preach 
against  slavery.  Yet,  up  to  the  time  of  the  war, 
slavery  was  not  made  the  subject  of  discussion 
here  more  than  once  or  twice  a  year.  Yet,  when 
the  testimony  of  this  church  was  given,  it  was 
given  with  no  uncertain  sound.  The  church,  in 
its  united  influence,  has  been  a  church  that  stood 
up  for  human  freedom.     In  my  first  sermon  I  an- 


p 


2l6  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

nounccd.  that  those  who  came  to  hear  the  gospel 
preached  here  would  hear  it  applied  faithfully  to 
questions  of  peace  and  war,  to  questions  of  tem- 
perance and  anti-slavery.  And  just  previous  to 
the  annual  renting  and  sale  of  pews,  I  always  came 
out  and  showed  my  hand,  in  order  that  no  man 
might  be  deceived.  What  the  power  of  Plymouth 
Church  has  been  in  this  question,  I  know  not.  It 
has  certainly  been  great,  but  it  is  not  for  us  to 
exaggerate  it.  It  is  to  me  a  matter  of  profound 
satisfaction  that  for  twenty-five  years  Plymouth 
Church  stood  up  in  stormy  times  a  faithful  witness 
to  the  great  principle  of  human  right  and  human 
liberty.  When  the  war  broke  out  this  church  did 
not  flinch.  She  gave  her  sons  and  her  daughters  ; 
she  sent  them  to  the  field  and  to  the  hospitals  ; 
and  during  all  the  war  she  never  uttered  an  uncer- 
tain sound  ;  and  when  the  war  ended,  I  think 
there  never  has  been  a  moment  when  we  harbored 
a  thought  of  revenge ;  or  when  we  had  any  other 
feelings  towards  our  opponents  than  those  which 
might  be  entertained  by  citizens,  friends,  and  Chris- 
tian men.  Plymouth  Church  has  always  been  a 
patriotic  church.  We  have  loved  our  country,  not 
as  representing  corn  and  wine,  goods  and  mer- 
chandise ;  we  have  loved  our  country  as  repre- 
senting Men,  and  we  have  exhibited  our  patriot- 


PL  1  'MO  UTH  CHUR  CH. 


217 


ism  by  doing  our  best  to  surround  them  with  edu- 
cational and  beneficial  institutions  ;  we  have  lived  a 
patriotic  life  during  the  last  twenty-five  years ;  we 
have  worked  for  our  whole  country,  and  we  have 
been  proud  of  it  in  the  proper  sense  of  the  word ; 
and  the  nerves  of  religion  have  been  quickened  by  it. 
The  church  has  had  sympathy  with  the  whole  na- 
tion and  with  the  world.  In  regard  to  its  laborers, 
a  large  proportion  of  its  members  being  prosper- 
ous and  the  church  having  much  wealth,  it  is  a 
matter  of  peculiar  satisfaction  that  the  church  has 
devoted  so  much  of  its  wealth  to  the  development 
and  elevation  of  religious  institutions.  It  has  been 
said  that  there  was  no  place  in  Plymouth  Church 
for  the  poor  man.  But  this  church  has  done  more 
for  the  poor  man  than  any  other.  When  the 
services  of  this  church  have  closed,  there  has  been 
a  distribution  of  men  and  women  in  every  direction 
to  carry  the  spirit  and  institutions  of  Christianity 
to  those  who  were  deficient ;  and  so  there  has 
grown  up  a  series  of  Mission  Schools  in  con- 
nection with  this  church.  They  were  founded  as 
Mission  Schools,  and  it  was  decided  that  they 
should  remain  schools,  in  order  that  laymen  might 
labor  directly  with  the  people  for  their  education 
and  moral  improvement.  In  doing  this  the  breth- 
ren felt  it  was  not  enough  to  run  up  a  building 
10 


21  8  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

that  would  keep  out  the  elements — '  plain  and 
substantial,'  as  the  saying  is.  The  feeling  was 
that  when  we  gave  a  gift  to  the  poor,  it  should 
not  be  a  gift  according  to  their  experience,  but 
that  we  were  to  take  the  best  things  that  Chris- 
tianity, and  civilization,  and  wealth  had  to  offer, 
and  give  thereof  to  them.  This  is  what  we  have 
done — not  alone  in  this  city  :  we  have  given  them 
more  beauty  and  elegance  than  Ave  have  in  our 
own  house.  The  Bethel  and  Navy  Mission  are 
better  equipped  than  Plymouth  Church.  We 
give,  not  what  we  can  spare,  but  give  the  very 
best  we  have.  We  have  not  stopped  in  giving 
money,  we  have  given  our  sons  and  our  daughters. 
We  have  sent  them  everywhere  to  work ;  and  I 
bear  witness  that  our  young  people  have  performed 
a  labor  as  great  as  that  which  is  sustained  by 
ordinary  pastors  in  an  ordinary  country  church. 
They  have  gone  through  a  vast  amount  of  labor — 
greater  than  ever  appeared ;  and  it  is  not  their 
desire  that  there  should  be  any  praising  of  it ;  they 
wait  for  the  approbation  of  their  Heavenly  Lord. 
My  opinion  is  that  the  steady  growth  of  the 
church  is  more  owing  to  such  works  as  these  than 
to  any  ministration  in  the  pulpit.  This  church  has 
had  its  power,  not  in  the  pulpit,  but  in  its  whole 
loving  membership  !     They  have  not  done  what 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  219 

has  been  done  because  they  had  genius  better  than 
other  men,  but  because  they  were  simple-minded, 
devoted,  willing  to  work  together ;  and  so  the 
fruit  has  been  abundant.  I  need  not  go  into  the 
details  of  what  has  been  done.  It  has  given  its 
money  for  the  missionary  societies,  for  the  education 
of  young  men  in  the  ministry  ;  it  has  aided  in  the 
distribution  of  religious  literature,  it  has  had  a  vital 
interest  in  colleges ;  and  some  of  the  best  gifts  that 
have  been  made  for  these  educational  purposes 
have  proceeded  from  this  church.  Many  of  our 
members  living  in  other  parts  of  the  country,  are 
building  school-houses  in  their  native  villages,  be- 
ing themselves  both  patrons  and  architects.  In 
every  direction  I  hear  of  these  influences  and  these 
good  works.  It  would  not  be  right  that  I  should 
fail  to  mention  the  very  great  prudence  and  wis- 
dom with  which  affairs  have  been  conducted  by 
the  trustees.  From  the  foundation  of  the  church 
we  have  had  a  body  of  men,  who  have  been  emi- 
nent for  fidelity,  integrity,  and  administrative  wis- 
dom. We  have  also  been  served  from  year  to 
year  by  Boards  of  Deacons,  and  within  the  last  few 
years  by  Deaconesses  with  great  fidelity,  and  a  vast 
deal  of  labor  has  been  performed  by  them.  Let 
me  also  refer  to  the  success  of  the  men  who  have 
taken  upon  themselves  a  most  disagreeable   task 


220  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

from  year  to  year — I  mean  those  who  have  per- 
formed the  duties  of  ushers.  They  have  served  in 
this  humble  capacity,  doing  great  service  indirectly 
to  the  cause  of  religion.  Christian  friends,  the 
best  part  of  this  week  of  reminiscences  and  reunion 
has  been  that  which  will  bear  no  apparent  fruit 
to  the  world.  We  have  gathered  together  in  our 
accustomed  places,  and  it  has  been  to  me  a  matter 
of  congratulation  that  the  best  meetings  are  the 
prayer-meetings,  and  it  has  ever  been  so  since 
the  church  began.  The  conference,  the  prayer- 
meeting,  these  have  been  the  sources  of  power — 
the  last  source  has  been  the  preaching.  The  per- 
meating power  of  the  church,  this  is  the  greatest 
power  of  all.  The  root  of  the  power  of  the  church 
has  been  the  living  faith  in  Jesus.  And  out  of 
this  faith,  this  love  of  God  and  love  of  man,  has 
sprung  all  their  labors  and  contributions,  and  all 
the  history  which  has  been  developed  during  the 
past  twenty-five  years.  I  bless  God  when  I  look 
back  on  it.  I  have  lived  my  life.  No  man  can 
take  it  from  me.  The  mistakes  I  have  made  no 
man  knows  so  well  as  I.  My  incapacity  no  one 
feels  more  than  myself.  I  have  never  been  able  to 
develop  to  my  own  satisfaction  what  seems  to  be 
the  character  of  Christ.  A  living  image  of  Christ 
has  ever  seemed  to  hang  over  my  head  inspiring 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  22I 

me,  yet  making  me  feel  how  poor  were  my  best 
efforts.  Yet  I  ask  you  to  witness  that  for  twenty- 
five  years  I  have  labored  faithfully  among  you,  for 
the  love  I  have  for  God  and  for  you.  If  I  should 
fall  to-morrow,  I  have  seen  this  land  rise  up  from 
its  darkness  and  shame  ;  I  have  seen  Liberty  come 
forth  like  Lazarus  from  the  grave,  and  staggering 
for  the  first  few  steps  because  bound  with  the  grave- 
clothes.  Our  country  is  free  ;  and  we  ought  to 
bless  God  that  He  gave  you  and  me  some  part  in 
this  work.  I  have  lived  here  a  quarter  of  a  cen- 
tury ;  I  have  had  a  free  platform,  you  have  stood 
by  me.  You  have  never  maintained  servile  opin- 
ions because  they  were  mine.  But  you  have  per- 
mitted me  to  speak  ;  and  I  have  had  it  given  me 
to  speak  the  words  of  truth  and  right — much,  faster 
than  some  thought  I  should — much  slower  than 
others  thought  ;  but  committing  the  truth  to  your 
consciences.  I  have  done  my  best.  I  am  admon- 
ished that  the  best  years  of  my  life  are  passed. 
My  sun  is  going  down.  But  I  have  lived  a  happy 
life.  I  have  loved  you,  and  have  been  beloved. 
I  have  seen  your  children.  I  have  seen  many  laid 
in  the  dust.  We  have  come  down  without  a  quar- 
rel, without  a  break,  and  now  in  these  closing 
words  join  with  me,  not  in  selfish  gratulation,  but 
in  thanks  to  Christ  who  loved  us,  to  the  Spirit  of 


222  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

God  who  inspired,  and  to  the  Father  that  kept  us 
together  in  this  household  of  the  faith,  loving  and 
beloved.  To  all  those  who  have  gone  to  different 
spheres  of  labor  we  send  our  congratulations.  We 
recall  the  honored  dead.  Doubtless,  they  are 
singing  with  us,  are  singing  to  us  from  yonder 
sphere.  They  and  we  are  one.  If  in  the  Provi- 
dence we  continue  together,  may  God  grant  that 
the  parish  may  be  more  abundant  in  labor,  in  dis- 
interested effort,  in  courage,  in  fellowship  with  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  keeping  all,  loving  all,  and 
waiting  for  the  appearance  of  Him  by  whom  we 
shall  be  crowned  in  the  kingdom  of  His  glory." 

The  Plymouth  Silver  Wedding  anthem,  "  Lift  up 
the  Song  of  Joy,"  *composed  expressly  for  the  oc- 
casion— music  by  John  Zundel,  words  by  Professor 


I. 


Lift  up  the  song  of  joy, 
Let  the  notes  of  praise  ascending 

Raise  each  grateful  heart  to  Heav'n  ! 
Organ-tone  and  voices  blending, 
Speak  the  gladness  He  hath  giv'n  ! 
Again  revive  and  glow 
Pledges  of  long  ago  ; 
The  hands  then  clasped  in  friendship  true 
Are  clasped  to-day  anew. 

Then  raise  the  song  of  joy  ! 
Drive  every  care  away  ! 
God  from  above  lights  up  with  love 
Our  Wedding-day. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


223 


R.  R.  Raymond — was  then  sung,  the  entire  audi- 
ence rising  at  the  last  verse,  and  joining  in  the  final 
chorus,  which  was  set  to  the  tune  called  "  Beecher." 


II. 


Who  speak  of  aught  but  joy  ? 
Five-and-twenty  years  together 

We  have  trod  the  Way  of  life, 
Shared  its  fair  and  stormy  weather — 
Church  and  Pastor — Man  and  Wife  ! 
The  hours  of  youth  are  past ; 
The  spring-buds  may  not  last ; 
Yet  Autumn  hath  its  own  sweet  flowers. 
And  these  at  least  are  ours. 

Then  raise  the  song,  etc 

III. 

A  day  of  hope  and  joy  ! 
Five-and-twenty  years,  dear  Pastor, 

We  have  walked  with  hand  in  thine ; 
Sat  with  thee  around  the  Master, — 
Feasted  on  the  corn  and  wine. 

Thy  clear  glance  Heavenward  bends ; 
Thy  guidance  thither  tends; 
We  trust  thee  still  to  lead  us  on 
Until  the  goal  is  won. 


IV. 

There  comes  a  higher  joy  ! 
When  the  hours  of  toil  are  over, 

And  the  day  of  life  is  done, 
Lover  then  may  watch  with  lover 

Shadows  of  its  setting  sun. 


224  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

Rev.    Dr.    Storrs    was    then    introduced   by    Mr. 
Beecher  in  the  following  words : 

"Twenty-five  years  ago  and  more,  among  the 
first  friends  I  met  or  visited  in  the  ministry  here, 
was  my  brother  and  neighbor,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Storrs, 
who  has  been  present  with  us  to-night.  I  have 
never  received  from  him  one  word  but  that  of  kind- 
ness, and  never  heard  of  one  syllable  from  him  that 

The  Shining  Shore  shall  gleam 

Across  the  darkling  stream, 
And  prophesy,  with  glowing  ray, 
Our  Golden  Wedding-day  ! 

There  heavenly  songs  of  joy 
Drive  cares  and  fears  away, 
And  God  above  shall  light  with  love 
The  glorious  day  ! 

Recitative  to  the  Congregation: 

Let  us  now,  that  Power  addressing, 
Who  hath  thus  our  store  increased, 

On  our  cheer  invoke  the  blessing 
Of  the  Master  of  the  Feast ; 

Response  by  Choir  and  Congregation: 
[Tune — Beecher.  ] 
Cana's  Guest,  beloved  Saviour  ! 

Let  this  hour  be  also  Thine  ! 
Give  our  joys  celestial  flavor  : 

Turn  the  water  into  wine  ! 
Pastor  of  the  whole  communion, 

Bridegroom  of  Thy  Church  Thou  art ! 
To  that  higher,  holier  union 

Welcome  every  faithful  heart  ! 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  22$ 

has  not  been  generous,  beyond  my  deserts  even. 
It  is  one  of  the  treasures  I  lay  up  in  memory — an 
unbroken  friendship  that  has  run  through  a  quar- 
ter of  a  century.  He  has  been  kind  enough  to 
come  this  evening  and  will  say  a  few  words." 

Rev.  Dr.  STORRS  advanced  to  the  pulpit  desk 
and  spoke  as  follows  : 

u  My  friends  of  Plymouth  Church  :  To  speak 
frankly,  I  feel  somewhat  embarrassed  this  evening, 
by  finding  myself  involved,  for  the  first  time  in  my 
life,  in  what  appears  to  be  a  serious  difference  of 
opinion  between  you,  the  people,  and  your  pastor. 
I  see  that  he  has  said,  as  it  is  reported  in  the  pub- 
lic newspapers,  that  he  wishes  nothing  to  be  said 
at  any  of  those  meetings  in  regard  to  him.  Well, 
turning  over  that  thought,  it  seemed  to  me,  per- 
haps, a  few  remarks  on  recent  discoveries  in  Cen- 
tral Africa  might  be  suitable.  [Laughter  and  ap- 
plause.] But  I  was  afraid  that  might  bring  up  the 
subject  of  slavery ;  so,  after  lounging  into  the 
rooms  of  the  Historical  Society,  and  trying  to  find 
out  from  our  friend,  Mr.  Hannah,  what  were  the 
latest  works  on  the  subject,  I  found  I  must  take 
something  more  remote,  and  I  thought  perhaps  a 
dissertation  on  the  probable  condition  of  the  planet 
Saturn  would  do.  But  even  that  would  be  con- 
nected with  '  rings,'  you  observe.  [Laughter  and 
10* 


226  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

applause.]  And  how  on  earth  to  get  at  any  sub- 
ject 

WHICH  DOES  NOT  LEAD   TO    BEECHER 

or  terminate  in  Beecher,  to-night,  was  a  puzzle  to 
me.  Then,  in  the  letter  of  the  Committee,  they 
particularly  desired  me  to  speak  of  Mr.  Beecher  as 
a  preacher,  and  the  only  way  I  saw  out  of  it  was 
this: 

"  As  I  understand  it,  he  is  not  present  here  to- 
night. I  don't  see  him  anywhere.  And  I  don't 
hear  him.  And  it's  the  first  time  in  a  twenty-five 
years'  experience,  where  he  has  been  present  and 
has  been  entirely  invisible  and  inaudible  to  me. 
[Laughter.]  At  any  rate,  constructively  he  is 
absent.  For  the  purpose  of  my  remarks  he  is  not 
present,  and  won't  know  anything  about  what  I 
say  unless  you  tell  him — which  you  won't. 

"  I  have  never  had  a  chance  to  hear  much  of  the 
preaching  of  Mr.  Beecher,  so  mine  will  be  sure 
to  be 

AN   IMPARTIAL   AND    UNBIASED    OPINION. 

[Applause.]  But  I  have  heard  him  enough  to 
know  the  difference  between  hearing  him  preach 
and  reading  his  sermons  in  pamphlet  form.  It  is 
very  much  like  letting  fireworks  go  off  at  night  and 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


227 


contenting  yourself  with  looking  at  the  blackened 
frames  in  the  morning.  [Prolonged  applause  and 
laughter.] 

"  However,  I  have  heard  him  preach.  I  heard 
him  preach  in  the  old  church.  It  was  an  address 
prepared  for  Hamilton  College.  It  was  an  admi- 
rable address,  but  the  congregation  was  getting  dull 
and  listless.  He  saw  it.  Suddenly  he  paused. 
Then  there  came  from  his  lips  an  utterance  that 
was  as  if  a  wind  cloud  had  burst  in  the  house,  and 
which  was  overwhelming  in  its  effect  upon  the 
congregation.  There  was  no  more  dulness  or 
listlessness,  but  everybody  was  looking  on  sur- 
prised. Then  he  jumped  about  twenty-five  pages 
of  the  manuscript,  and  went  on  magnificently  to 
the  end.  I  heard  him  preach,  also,  when  about 
two-thirds  of  his  sermon  was  written  ;  and  he  had 
to  deliver  the  rest  extemporaneously.  I  wanted 
to  see  how  he  managed  that  transaction.  The  in- 
troduction was  very  beautiful,  and  very  beautifully 
delivered.  Then  he  came  to  the  end  of  the  manu- 
script ;  and  instead  of  walking  off  the  pier  into 
the  ocean,  he  sailed  into  the  extemporaneous  dis- 
course as  a  ship  glides  into  the  water.  It  showed 
his  natural  ability  as  an  orator.  I  was  delighted 
with  the  beauty  of  the  companionship  they  had 
for  each  other.     I  heard  him  again  in  1854,  when 


228  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

I  may  say  that  his  face  absolutely  globed  with  the 
love  of  Christ.  His  face  glowed  like  the  face  of 
an  angel.  The  words  came  with  such  spontaneous 
force  that  every  heart  was  moved.  So  you  see  I 
have  heard  him.  Now,  as  to  the  sources  of  this 
power  ;  they  are  very  deep,  and  very  manifold. 
It  always  used  to  provoke  me  when  men  said  that 
his  power  lay  in  some  one  thing,  his  voice  or  ex- 
pression, or  something  of  that  sort.  This  was  the 
hair  of  the  Samson,  in  which  his  power  resided. 
Now,  you  know  that  this  great  flow  of  power 
comes  from  many  sources.  First,  I  should  say  he 
has  a  thoroughly  vitalized  mind — so  vitalized  that 
every  process  becomes  vital.  There  is  no  repro- 
duction of  past  forms,  but  the  creative  faculties 
are  in  play  all  the  time.  Well,  then,  secondly,  I 
should  put  immense  common-sense,  a  wonderful 
self-rectifying  judgment  that  gives  sobriety  and 
steadiness  to  all  his  powers  of  thought.  I  have 
been  more  impressed  by  that  than  by  any  one 
element  of  his  strength.  I  have  seen  him  go  to  the 
edge  of  a  proposition  that  seemed  to  me  danger- 
ous and  absurd,  and  never  go  over.  He  would 
rectify  what  seemed  to  be  dangerous  remarks  as 
soon  as  made.  His  common-sense  brought  him 
back  to  the  solid  ground  from  which  he  seemed  to 
have  lifted  himself.     Now,  men  without  this  self- 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  229 

rectifying  judgment  always  flash  out  very  soon. 
We  have  had  any  number  of  examples  of  that 
kind,  and  they  soon  flash  out.  Then  I  should  say 
that  he  has  a  quick  sympathy  with  men  ;  he  has 
an  intuitive  perception  into  the  minds  of  men 
which  makes  their  modes  of  thought  stand  out 
like  visible  persons  in  the  street.  '  But  this  is 
genius,'  you  say.  So  it  is,  but  not  the  genius  of 
the  poet  or  the  painter.  In  a  lower  sense  we  may 
say  of  him  as  was  said  of  the  Master,  '  He  knew 
what  was  in  men ' — he  discerned  it  intuitively, 
and  made  his  instructions  drive  directly  at  that 
state  of  mind  which  he  saw  present  and  personally 
before  him.  Then  we  have  in  him  a  responsive- 
ness wrhich  makes  him  ready  for  every  occasion. 
I  recollect  hearing  him  speak  of  some  of  the  atroc- 
ities of  slavery,  and  asking  whether  persons  who 
committed  such  acts  ought  to  be  out  of  Sing  Sing. 
Somebody  up  in  the  gallery  said  'Yes.'  'Ah, 
you've  been  there  !  '  cried  Mr.  Beecher  in  a  mo- 
ment. The  audience  for  a  second  or  two  could 
hardly  believe  that  this  was  not  an  arranged  scene  ; 
but  when  they  came  to  understand  that  it  was 
spontaneous,  the  enthusiasm  was  tremendous,  and 
Mr.  Beecher  had  the  audience  with  him  for  the 
rest  of  that  evening.  Then  we  must  take 
into  account  his  wonderful  animal  vigor — his  voice 


230  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

which  can  thunder  or  whisper — his  sympathies 
with  nature — and  above  all  these  put  his  enthusi- 
asm for  Christ,  his  giving  glory  to  the  Son  of  God, 
and  that  he  is  sent  to  reflect  that  glory  upon 
others,  to  inform  your  minds  with  love,  to  kindle 
souls  and  prepare  them  for  their  heavenly  relations. 
Then  you  have  some  of  the  characteristics  of  the 
great  preacher,  who  has  quickened  and  blessed 
you  here,  and  because  these  sources  are  so  mag- 
nificent that  makes  him  the  foremost  preacher  in 
the  American  pulpit.  Now,  that  is  a  great  thing 
to  say,  for  there  have  been  many  great  men  in  this 
city — Dr.  Stone,  Dr.  Vinton,  Dr.  Cox,  Dr.  Spen- 
cer, Dr.  Dwight,  Dr.  Bethune,  Dr.  Welsh,  Dr. 
Kennady,  and  Dr.  Nadal.  I  cannot  name  them 
all — a  brilliant  circle  of  men.  I  don't  mean  to  say 
that  Mr.  Beecher  is  a  perfect  preacher  ;  if  he  had 
taken  my  advice,  it  would  have  been  a  great  deal 
better  for  him.  I  think  he  has  spent  enough  of 
his  voice  to  make  two  perfectly  splendid  thunder- 
storms. And  then  I  prefer  my  illustrations  to 
come  in  bouquets  and  not  in  bushels.  [Huge 
laughter.]  But  he  has  been  a  great  preacher  ;  and 
then  you  know  he  has  a  somewhat  vehement  and 
combative  nature,  and  I  never  saw  a  man  whom  it 
was  more  dangerous  to  start  by  opposing  him  ;  I 
never    do    it.       [Laughter   and   applause.]       He 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  23 1 

made  volcanoes  round  him  in  Liverpool  and  Man- 
chester ;  but  the  ground  was  too  hot  for  the  Gov- 
ernment of  England  to  permit  its  sympathies  with 
the  rebellion  to  be  formulated  in  law.  I  have 
seen  him  in  council,  when  things  were  getting 
mixed  up  ;  and  his  clear,  decisive  sagacity  soqn 
put  them  straight.  So  he  has  stood  before  you  ; 
so  he  has  stood  before  the  whole  community.  It 
doesn't  seem  possible  it  is  twenty-five  years  since 
he  came  here  and  I  gave  him  the  right  hand  of 
fellowship.  And  here  I  want  to  correct  a  misap- 
prehension in  regard  to  the  vote  of  the  council. 
There  were  old  men  on  that  council  who  wanted 
him  to  use  some  terminology,  which  he  declined  ; 
but  upon  the  examination  of  his  religious  experi- 
ence, there  was  no  doubt  whatever.  He  proved 
that  he  was  sound  on  that  subject,  and  that  he 
knew  the  presence  and  glory  of  the  Son  of  God  ; 
and  he  was  accepted  by  an  entirely  unanimous 
vote.  There  was  an  entire  unanimity  in  the  vote 
which  gave  me  the  privilege  of  giving  him  the 
right  hand  of  fellowship.  I  feel  that  no  man  on 
earth  less  needs  assurances  of  friendship,  save  the 
friendship  of  the  Son  of  God  ;  but  I  am  here  on 
behalf  of  this  congregation,  on  behalf  of  the  best 
in  our  city,  which  has  had  its  name  made  famous 
by  his  ministry,  on  behalf  of  those   in  every  part 


232  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

of  the  land  who  have  read  his  sermons  with  admi- 
ration and  profit  ;  on  behalf  of  the  great  multitude 
who  have  gone  up  above,  I  am  here  to-night  to 
offer  him  the  right  hand  of  fellowship,  at  the  close 
of  these  services.  [Turning  to  Mr.  Beecher,  and 
clasping  his  hand.]  I  say  God  be  praised  for  all 
the.  work  you  have  done  here.  God  be  praised  for 
your  great  gifts,  and  for  the  generous  use  you  have 
made  of  them  through  the  land.  God  give  you 
many  happy  and  glorious  years  of  work  ;  and  may 
your  soul  be  whitened  more  and  more  in  the  ra- 
diance of  God's  light,  until,  when  the  end  comes, 
may  the  gates  of  pearl  be  opened,  and  you  enter 
that  bright  eternity  all  vivid  with  God's  love, 
where  an  instant  vision  shall  be  perfect  bliss,  and 
immortal  labor  immortal  bliss." 

This  magnificent  concluding  passage  was  uttered 
with  an  eloquence  that  defies  description.  At  its 
conclusion,  Mr.  Beecher,  with  tears,  and  trembling 
from  head  to  foot,  arose,  and,  placing  his  hand  on 
Dr.  Storrs'  shoulder,  warmly  kissed  him  upon  the 
cheek.  The  congregation  sat  for  a  moment 
breathless  and  enraptured  with  this  simple  and 
beautiful  action.  Then  there  broke  from  them 
such  a  round  of  applause  as  never  before  was 
heard  in  an  ecclesiastical  edifice.  There  was  not  a 
dry  eye  in  the  house. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


233 


Mr.  Beecher  came  forward.  In  a  voice,  broken 
with  emotion,  he  said  :  "  I  want  to  say  something, 
but  I  am  unable  to.  I  can  only  observe  that  Dr. 
Buddington  promised  to  speak  next." 

Dr.  Buddington  arose,  and  remarked  he  was 
satisfied  the  congregation  desired  that  nothing 
more  should  be  said,  and  that  the  services  should 
terminate  there.  He  would  therefore  simply  say, 
that  he  would  say  nothing  further.  (Great  ap- 
plause.) 

The  hymn,  "  Jesus,  lover  of  my  soul,"  was  then 
sung ;  the  benediction  was  given,  and  the  meeting 
separated. 

Friday,  October  11,  was  the  last  day  of  the 
anniversary,  and  the  morning  prayer-meeting  at- 
tendance was  unusually  large.  The  regular  Fri- 
day-evening prayer  and  conference  meeting  was 
held  in  the  church  at  seven  o'clock,  and  at  its 
close  the  Lord's  Supper  was  celebrated,  which 
concluded  the  Silver  Weddine  ceremonies:  *  t 


i^> 


*  In  the  compilation  of  this  sketch  of  the  Silver  Wedding  Cele- 
bration, the  descriptive  reports,  which  appeared  in  the  Brooklyn 
Daily  Eagle  and  the  Daily  Union,  have  been  copied  almost  verba- 
tim. 

f  Mr.  S.  Lasar  had  intended  the  delivery  of  a  few  remarks  on 
Wednesday  morning  (at  the  prayer-meeting),  but  unavoidable  ab- 
sence prevented,  and  at  his  request  the  following  has  been  inserted  : 

"  The  request  of  Mr.  Beecher,  made  at  the  Monday-morning 
prayer-meeting,  in  reference  to  the  abstaining  from  glorifying  him, 


234  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


THE   MEMORIAL   FUND. 

Mr.  R.  D.  Benedict,  at  the  Friday-evening 
prayer-meeting  (October  18),  moved  the  institu- 
tion of  a  memorial  of  some  kino!,  which  should 
be  lastingly  commemorative  of  the  celebration  of 
the  twenty-fifth  anniversary  of  the  existence  of 
Plymouth  Church,  and,  after  considerable  discus- 
sion on  the  subject,  several  projects  were  proposed, 
— the  erection   of  a  new  Sailor's   Home  in  New 

has,  I  believe,  been  complied  with.  To  speak  of  Plymouth  Church 
without  Mr.  Beecher,  would  be  like  the  play  of  Hamlet  without 
the  individual  Hamlet.  This  church,  through  its  pastor,  has,  in 
my  mind,  done  more  to  establish  and  settle  forever  the  right  of  free 
speech  in  our  country  than  has  been  done  through  any  other 
instrumentality.  When  New  York  and  Brooklyn  dared  not  allow 
Wendell  Phillips  to  speak  in  any  of  their  public  halls,  then  our  doors 
were  thrown  wide  open,  and  the  thanks  of  every  true  man  and 
woman  in  America  were  showered  upon  this  church. 

"  The  influence  of  Plymouth  Church  in  its  efforts  to  popularize 
Congregational  singing  cannot  be  over-estimated,  and  this  is,  in  my 
judgment,  principally  due  to  the  direct  and  persistent  exhortations  of 
its  pastor.  He  does  not  now  find  it  necessary  to  importune  on  that 
subject,  but  in  the  early  days  of  the  Society  he  exhorted  his  people 
on  the  matter  in  season  and  out  of  season. 

"I  have  been  honored  with  Mr.  Beecher' s  acquaintance  for  twenty- 
five  years — from  the  time  when  he  first  spoke  in  the  Broadway 
Tabernacle  during  the  May  anniversaries  of  1 84 7. 

"  I  became  organist  of  Plymouth  Church  about  a  month  after  Mr. 
Beecher's  settlement  here  as  pastor,  and  remained  until  the  destruc- 
tion of  the  church  by  fire ;  and  now,  after  the  lapse  of  a  quarter 
century,  I  feel  proud  and  happy  to  be  enabled  to  say  that  a  child  of 
mine  is  taking  part  in  leading  the  Praises  to  God  in  Plymouth 
Church." 


J 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  235 

York,  which  should  be  of  sufficient  capacity  to 
accommodate  every  sailor  in  the  port,  by  the  ap- 
propriation of  a  fund  of  $250,000,  which  should  be 
raised  by  voluntary  subscription  among  the  mem- 
bers of  the  church  and  Society,  and  in  favor  of  this 
proposal  it  was  urged  that  an  institution  of  this 
kind  would  yield  handsome  dividends,  which  could 
be  used  for  charitable  purposes  ;  the  building  of  a 
Congregational  church  in  the  vicinity  of  Prospect 
Park,  to  be  known  as  the  Beecher  Memorial  (this 
proposition  was  dismissed,  for  Mr.  Beecher  declined 
to  have  his  name  used)  ;  and  the  founding  of  a 
hospital.  The  Sailor's  Home  scheme  was  most 
favorably  received,  but  the  meeting  dispersed  with- 
out deciding  upon  the  matter.  Mr.  Beecher  subse- 
quently suggested  that  a  fund  be  raised  of  $50,000, 
which  should  be  known  as  the  Memorial  Fund,  and 
which  should  be  used  for  the  benefit  of  the  Bethel 
and  the  Navy  Missions, — $25,000  to  be  endowed 
to  each,  the  interest  of  which  sums  would  be  amply 
sufficient  to  defray  all  "  running  expenses  "  of  each 
institution.  This  suggestion  was  voted  upon  and 
unanimously  carried. 


Alphabetical  List  of  Members  of  Plymouth 
Church,   January  6,    1867. 

FROM    "MANUAL   OF   PLYMOUTH    CHURCH,"    1867. 
%*  Names  of  husband  and  wife  are  united  by  a  brace. 


Tear 
Admitted. 


1847.  Abbey,  Horatio  G. 
1853.  Ackerman,  Abraham. 
1859.  Adams,  Miss  Anne  P. 
1862.  Adams,  Miss  Augusta. 

1864.  Adams,  Miss  Susan. 
1858.    J  Addinsell,  George  W. 
1858.     I  Addinsell,  Mrs.  Lois. 
1858.  Aiken,  Miss  Helena  St.  J. 
1858.  Aldrich,  S.  T. 

1858.  Allen,  Mrs.  Hannah. 
1862.  Allen,  George  H.  M. 

1862.  Allen,  Paul  B. 

i860.  Aller,  Stephea  Burrows. 

1850.  Alvord,  G.  G. 
1849.  Alvord,  John  C. 
1849.    j  Amerman,  Richard. 
1849.     j  Amerman,  Mrs.  Maria. 

1863.  j  Anderson,  John  Henry. 
1863.     j  Anderson,  Mrs.  Jane. 
1858.    j  Anderson,  Robert  G. 
1858.     |  Anderson,  Mrs.  Mary. 
1861.  Anderson,  Mrs.  Mary. 
1853.  Andrews,  Mrs.  Adeline. 
1858.  Andrews,  Miss  Anna  M. 
1852.  Andrews,  Mrs.  Eliza  R. 
1858.  Andrews,  Henry  Beekman 
1852.  Andrews,  Mrs.  Rebeeca  E. 
1861.  Anthony,  Seth. 

1858.  Armstrong,  Thomas. 
1858.    J  Arnold,  Daniel  S. 
1858.    "j  Arnold,  Mrs.  Lovisa  M. 
1849.  Arnold,  Miss  Hannah. 
1863.   Arrott,  Isaac. 
1858.  Asbury,  Mrs.  Emma. 
1858.  Asbury,  Mrs.  Frances. 
1852.  Ashley,  Miss  Ellen  P. 

1865.  Ashton,  Frederic. 

1849.  Atkinson,  Miss  Charlotte. 

1851.  Atkinson,  Mrs.  Emma  J. 
1851.  Atkinson,  Miss  Sarah. 

1848.  Atwater,  Miss  Maria  B. 
i860,    j  Avery,  Irving  N. 
i860.    (  Avery,  Mrs.  Jane  S. 


Tear 
Admitted. 


1853- 
1858. 
1854. 
1849. 
1862. 
1862. 
1851. 
1864. 
1858. 
1852. 
i860. 
1850. 
1852. 
1848. 
1852. 
i857- 
1862. 
i855. 
1867. 
i857. 
1865, 
1865. 
1865, 
1862 


1862. 
1852. 
1866. 
1851. 
1862. 
1862. 
1865. 
1858. 
1854. 
1S66. 


1850. 


Babcock,  Mrs.  Mary. 
Backus,  Samuel  D. 
Baggott,  Miss  Eliza. 
Baggott,  Joseph. 
Baggott,  Mrs.  Leonora. 
Baggott,  Mrs.   Susan  Maria. 
Bailey,  Alexander. 
j  Bailey,  Samuel  T. 
I  Bailey,  Mrs.  Clara  S. 
Bainbridge,  Miss  Mary  A. 
Baird,  James  C. 
Baker,  Mrs.  Hannah  M. 
Baker,  Miss  Margaret. 
Baldwin,  Mrs.  Martha  B. 
j  Ball,  Edward. 
\  Ball,  Mrs.  Ellen  S. 
Ball,  Miss  Sarah. 
Ballard,  Mrs.  Melissa.  _ 
Banfield,  Mrs.  Anna  Fiske. 
Bannister,  Mrs.  Eliza. 
Barber,  Mrs.  Agnes  B. 
Barber,  Miss  Alice. 
Barber,  Miss  Nellie. 
Barnes,  Mrs.  Emma. 
Barnes,  Frank. 
Barnes,  Mrs.  Julia. 
Barnsdall,  Mrs.  Emma. 
Barr,  Alexander  M. 
Barrow,  Miss  Ann. 
Barstow,  Mrs.  Frances  S. 
Bartlett,  E.  L. 
Barllett,  Phineas. 
j  Bartlett,  William  E. 
\  Bartlett,  Mrs.  Jos.  H. 
j  Bass,  Samuel  G. 
I  Bass,  Mrs.  Catharine  L. 
Bates,  E.  N. 

Bauchmann,  Mrs.  Anna  T. 
j  Bavier,  William. 
\  Bavier,  Mrs.  Mary  Ann. 
j  Beach,  Alfred  E. 
(  Beach,  Mrs.  Harriet  E. 


238 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


Year 
Admitted. 

1859. 
1859. 
1866. 
1S66. 


J  Beach,  Charles. 


Beach,  .Mrs.  .Mary. 

Beach,  Charles  Y. 

Beach,  Frederick  C. 

1866.  Beach,  Miss  Jennie  H. 

1866.  J  Beach,  Joseph  P. 

1866.  I  Beach,  Mrs.  Eliza  M. 

1866.  Beach,  Miss  Emetine  B 

1854.  J  Beach,  Moses  S. 
1864.  I  Beach,  Mrs.  Chloe  B. 

1867.  j  Beach,  Thomas. 
1866.  I  Beach,  Mrs.  Gertrude. 

1863.  Beadle,  Miss  Harriet. 

1864.  Beadle,  Mrs.  Mary  A. 
1863.  Beadle,  Miss  Sophia. 

1855.  Bean,  Ira. 

1856.  j  Beard,  George. 

1856.  j  Beard,  Mrs.  Eleanor. 
1850.  Beatty,  Miss  Catherine. 

1850.  j  Beattys,  Benjamin. 

1863.  j  Beattys,  Mrs.  Maggie. 

1861.  Bedloe,  Miss  Charlotte  E. 

1862.  Bedloe,  Miss  Hattie  Ellen. 
1858.  Bee,  Peter. 

1858.  j  Beebe,  Clement  E. 

1858.  I  Beebe,  Mrs.  Mary  E. 

1861.  J  Beebe,  David  N. 

1862.  \  Beebe,  Mrs.  Julia  B. 
1858.  Beecher,  Geo.  Buck'ham. 

1847.  j  Beecher,  Henry  Ward. 

1848.  j  Beecher,  Mrs.  Eunice  W. 
1858.  J  Beecher,  Henry  Barton. 
1858.  j  Beecher,  Mrs.  Harriet  J. 
1848.  Beecher,  Mrs    Maria  P. 

1864.  Beecher,  \Vm.  Corstantine. 
1853.  j  Belcher,  Samuel  E. 

1853.  j  Belcher,  Mrs.  Elizabeth. 
1858.  Belcher,  Edgar. 

1858.  Belden,  Mrs.  Caroline. 

r858.  Belden,  Miss  Caroline. 

1858.  Belden,  Charles  D. 

1858.  Belden,  Henry,  Jr. 

1858.  Belfour,  Alexander  C. 

1862.  Belfour,  Miss  Emma. 

1863.  Belfour,  George. 

1847.  j  Bell,  George  A. 

1851.  1  Bell,  Mrs.  Isabella  E 

1865.  Bell,  George  Alfred. 
1854  j  Benedict,  Robert  D. 
1854  j  Benedict,  Mrs.  F'nces  A. 
1858.  j  Benedict,  Roswell  S. 
1855.  I  Benedict,  Mrs.  Minerva. 

1866.  Benjamin,  Miss  S.  Anna. 

1852.  Bennett,  Mrs.  Catherine  H. 

1848.  Bennett,  Miss  Charity. 

1854.  Bennett,  George  I. 

1858.  Bennett,  Miss  Henrietta  M. 

1858.  Bennett,  Mrs.  Mary. 

1857.  Bennett,  Miss  Sarah  E. 
1865.  Bennett,  Miss  Sarah  S. 

1858.  Benson,  Mrs.  Fanny  E. 
1862.  Beresford,  Mrs.  Leonora. 
1858.  Bergen,  Charles  M. 


Year 
Admitted. 


866. 
853- 
848. 
851. 
866. 
864. 
861. 
857- 
862. 
862. 
862. 


Bergen,  George  P. 
j  Bergen,  George  \V. 
I  Bergen,  Mrs.  Susan. 
Bertrand,  Miss  Rosetta  D. 
l!ett^,  Mrs.  Anna. 
Berts,  Miss  Mary  S. 
Bicknell,  Miss  Adelaide. 
Bicknell,  David. 
j  Bigelow,  Daniel  C. 

I  Bigelow,  Mrs.  Susan. 
Bigelow,  Miss  Lizzie. 
J  Bigelow,  Wm.  H. 

(  Bigelow,  Mrs.  Louisa  B. 
Bigley,  Mrs.  Martha  W. 
Bingham,  Abiel  M. 

j  Bingham,  Amos  F. 

I  Bingham,  Mrs.  Mary  M. 
Bingham,  Miss  Ellen  S. 
Bingham,  Miss  Julia  A. 
Bingham,  Miss  Mary  L. 

I  Bird,  George  W. 

'j  Bird,  Mrs.  Adeline. 

J  Bird,  Thomas  H. 

\  Bird,  Mrs.  Sarah  J. 
Bishopric,  Miss  Alice  J. 
Bishopric,  Miss  Ellen  M. 
Bishopric,  Henry 
Blackmer,  Mrs.  Eliz.  H. 
Blake,  Charles  F. 
Blake,  Miss  Ada. 
Blake,  Eli  C. 
Blake,  Mrs.  Julia  M. 
Biakesley,  Ransom. 
Blanchard,  Mrs.  Caroline. 
Blanchard,  Miss  Helen. 
Bliss,  George  H. 

J  Bliss,  John. 

I  Bliss,  Mrs.  Fanny  E.  L. 
Bliss,  Justin  A. 
Boardman,  Mrs.  Mary  L. 
Boice,  Mrs.  Sarah  K. 
Bonner,  Mrs.  Jane  H. 

j  Boorum,  William  B. 

I  Boorum,  Mrs.  Amelia  O. 
Bourne,  George  W. 
Bowen,  Edward  A. 

J  Bowen,  Edward  E. 

I  Bowen,  Mrs.  Sophronia. 
Bowen,  Edward  H. 
Bowen,  Miss  Ellen  A. 
Bowen,  Mrs.  Eliza  J. 
Bowen,  Miss  Emma  L. 
Bowen,  George  Austin. 
Bowen,  Miss  Grace  A. 
Bowen,  Henry  C. 
Bowen.  Miss  Mary  A. 
Bowen,  Miss  Mary  L. 
Bowet,  Frank  L. 
Bower,  Mrs.  Mary  Ann. 
Bowers,  Mrs.  Ada. 
Bowers,  Miss  Annette. 
J  Bowers,  George  W. 

(  Bowers,  Mrs.  Cornelia. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


239 


Tear 
Admitted. 

858.   j  Boyce,  John  Thomas. 
858.    I  Boyce,  Mrs.  Eliza. 
858.  Boyd,  Miss  Alice  I. 

855.  Boyd,  Mrs.  Ellen. 
852.    J  Boyd,  Samuel. 

852.    j  Boyd,  Mrs.  Sylvia  C. 

858.  Boyd,  Valentine. 

859.  Braden,  Robert  L. 
858.    J  Bradshaw,  Andrew. 

856.  j  Bradshaw,  Mrs.  Martha. 
862.  Bradshaw,  Miss  Mary. 
858.    J  Braman,  John  A. 

858.  \  Braman,  Mrs.  Catherine. 

866.  Brewster,  Mrs.  Margaret. 

855.  \  Bridgman,  Malcolm, 

858.  I  Bridgman,  Mrs.  Marion. 

855.  Bridges,  Miss  Frances  L. 

850.  Brinkerhoff,  Miss  Emeline. 

801.  Briggs,  Mrs.  Helen  C. 

866.  Brodhead,  William  H. 

864.  Bronson,  Robert  S. 

848.  Brooks,  Miss  Esther. 

849.  Brooks,  Mrs.  Lucy. 

867.  Brooks,  Mrs.  Ruby  Louisa. 
858.  Brooks,  Simon. 

858.   Brower,  Mrs.  Sarah  Ann. 
849.  Brown,  Cochrane  G. 
852.  Brown,  Mrs.  Eliza. 

848.  Brown,  Miss  Ellen  S. 

865.  Brown,  Miss  Emeline. 

855.  Brown,  Miss  Emma  T. 

849.  Brown,  Miss  Helen  Maria 

856.  Brown,  Miss  Helen  M. 

865.  Brown,  Mrs.  Helen  M. 

866.  Brown,  Miss  Jane  F. 
1,  J  Brown,  John. 
i.  "j  Brown,  Mrs.  Cordelia. 
.  Brown,  Miss  Kate  E. 
;.  Brown,  Mrs.  Mars' t  Ann. 


866.  Brown,  Miss  Matilda  J. 
850.     I  Brown,  Moses  P. 
848.    \  Brown,  Mrs.  Helen  E. 
858.   Brown,  William  Alonzo. 
855.   Brownson,  Mrs.  Angeline. 
865.    J  Bruce,  Elijah. 

865.     |  Bruce,  Mrs.  Ruth  E. 
865.   Brush,  George  W. 
858.  Buck,  Miss  Mary  L. 
854.   Bulkley,  Philander. 
850.   Bunce,  Mrs.  Mary  M. 

867.  Bundick,  Mrs.  Ellen. 
862.  Bunker,  Miss  Anna. 
8s8.  Bunker,  William  R. 

j  Burdick,  Curtis  E. 

I  Burdick,  Mrs.  Emma  C. 
Burdick,  Mrs.  E.  Amanda. 
Burdick,  J.  C 

j  Burgess,  Benjamin 

I  Burgess,  Mrs.  Mary. 
Burgess,  Mrs.  Paulina  L. 

j  Burgess,  Nathan  G. 

j  Burgess,  Mrs.  E.  M. 


864. 

357- 
S58. 
858. 
847. 
847. 


OjO. 

858. 


Tear 
Admitted. 

1855.    j  Burlingamc,  Brown. 
1855.     I  Burlingamc,  Mrs.  F. 
1858.  Burlingame,  Miss  Cath. 
1858.  Burnell,  Mrs.  Bartheba. 

1864.  Burse,  Mrs.  Lucy  Jane. 
1862.   Burtis,  Alvah  W. 

1862.  Burtis,  S.  Edgar. 

1848.  j  Burtis,  Samuel  W. 

1848.  "j  Burtis,  Mrs.  Priscilla  A. 

1S57.  Butler,  Henry  B. 

1865.  Byrne,  Charles. 


1855.  Cahill,  Miss  Anastasia. 
1852.  Cahoone,  George. 

1865.  Calder,  Andrew. 

1852.  Calder,  Mrs.  Maria. 

1866.  Calderbank,  Miss  Eliz'th. 
1865.  Caldwell,  Mrs.  Eliza. 
1S66.  Caldwell,  Miss  Lilias  I. 
1865.    J  Caldwell,  Wallace  E. 

1865.  I  Caldwell,  Mrs.  Cor'th  N. 
i860.  Cameron,  Mrs.  Nancy. 
i860.   Camp,  Calvin  B. 

1859.  Campbell,  Alexander. 

1861.  Campbell,  Augustus. 
1858.  Campbell,  William. 

1853.  Carhart,  Mrs.  Jane. 
1858.   Carl,  Mrs.  Imogen  I. 

1849.  J  Carly,  Jesse. 

1852.     j  Carly,  Mrs.  Sarah  E.      . 

1855.  Carly,  Miss  Sarah. 

1867.  Carman,  Bertine  P. 

1857.  Carner,  Mrs.  Joanna. 

1856.  j  Carpenter,  Henry  F. 

1856.  "j  Carpenter,  Mrs.  Eliz.  D 

1858.  j  Carpenter,  James. 
1858.     I  Carpenter,  Mrs.  Cath. 
1858.  Carter,  Miss  Emma  A. 
1863.    j  Case,  Zina. 

1863.  I  Case,  Mrs.  Anna  Maria. 

1862.  Chambers,  Mrs.  Sarah  I. 

1866.  Chamberlin,  James  H. 

1861.  Champuey,  Mrs.  Susan  J. 
1855.  Chant,  Miss  Emma. 

1858.  Chant,  Miss  Rosaline  L. 

1859.  Chapin,  Mrs.  Caroline. 

1864.  Chapin,  Elisha  S. 

1865.  Chapin,  Henry,  jr. 

1862.  Chapin,  Miss  Mary  L. 
1864.  Chase,  Miss  Isabella  S. 
1858.  Chase,  Mrs.  Sarah  G. 
1852.   Chichester,  Mrs.  Jane  A. 

1857.  Child,  Henry  E. 

1854.  Chittenden,  Mrs.  Henrietta. 

1852.  Chown,  Miss  Ann  Maria. 

1855.  Church,  Miss  Esther. 

1853.  Church,  Moses 

1850.  Church,  Sheldon  P 
1S54.  Churchill,  Miss  Sophia  S. 
1852.  Claflin,  Mrs.  Agnes. 
1S57.  Claggett,  Miss  Mary  L. 


240 


PL  YMO  Uril  CIIUR  CH. 


Year 
Admitted. 

857.  Claggett,  Mrs.  Louisa. 

858.  Claggett,  Miss  Ellen  L. 

852.  Clarendon,  Thomas. 

856.  Clark,  Mrs.  Eugenia. 
S52.  Clark,  Mrs.  Iantlia. 

864.  J  Clark,  Sylvester  H. 

865.  1  Clark,  M'rs.  Lucy  P. 

863.  Clement,  Marshall  H. 
Clements,  Miss  Margaret 
j  Cleveland,  Henry  M. 
(  Cleveland,  Mrs.  Mary  C 

Cluff,  Mrs.  Charlotte. 
Cobb,  Henry  H. 
Cochrane,  John. 

J  Cochrane,  Robert. 

J  Cochrane,  Mrs.  Margaret. 
Cochrane,  Mrs.  Sarah. 
Cockeram,  Herbert. 

857.  Coe,  Miss  Adeline. 
855.  Coe,  Mrs.  Sarah  Jane. 

857.  j  Coffin,  O.  Vincent. 
S59.  \  Coffin,  Mrs.  Ellen  E. 
861.  Cogswell,  Benjamin  F. 

853.  Coleman,  Edmund. 

858.  Colletti,  Mrs.  Julia  A. 
849.  Colligan,  Miss  Jane. 

848.  J  Colligan,  William. 
J  Colligan,  Mrs.  Joy. 
J  Collie,  William, 
j  Collie,  Mrs.  Mary. 
j  Collins,  Henry. 
J  Coliins,  Mrs.  Elizabeth. 

Collins,  Mrs.  Sarah. 

\ 

Colt,  L.  B. 
J  Colwell,  William. 
858.    j  Colwell,  Mrs.  Mary  Jane. 

849.  Colyer,  Charles  W. 

866.  Comins,  John  E. 
855.    J  Comins,  John  P. 
855.     J  Comins,  Mrs.  Mary. 

857.  Comins,  Miss  Mary  E. 

861.  Conant,  Roger. 

862.  Condit,  Charles  L. 

858.  Condit,  Frederic. 
848.    )  Condit,  Isaac  L. 

858.     \  Condit,  Mrs.  Mary  E. 
862.  Condon,  Miss  Mary  Jane. 

848.  j  Conkling,  John  T. 

849.  j  Conkling,  Mrs.  C.  E. 
849.  Cook,  Miss  Catharine. 
866.  Cook,  Miss  Ella  A. 

858.  Cook,  Mrs.  Henrietta  M. 

S57.  Cook,  Mrs.  Margaret  I. 

866.  Cooke,  Miss  Emma  F. 

858.  J  Coomes,  Oliver  Bliss. 

858.  j  Coomes,  Mrs.  Laura. 

851.  Cooper,  Mrs.  Harriet  S. 

858.  (  Cooper,  Stephen  P. 

853.  ")  Cooper,  Mrs.  Louisa  W. 

858.  Corkery,  Miss  Lizzie  K. 

864.  Cornell,  Mrs.  Abby. 


Collins,  William. 
Collins,  Mrs.  Charity. 


Year 
Adinii  i.il. 

1862.  Corning,  Charles  T. 
1859.  CouzenSj  Matthew. 

1863.  Cox,  Miss  Emma  V. 
1863.  Cox,  Mrs.  Mary  E. 
1863.  Cox,  Miss  Mary  L. 
1858.  Cox,  Richard. 

1858.  Crane,  Miss  Arabella. 
1858.   Crane,  Mrs.  Esther  W. 
1858.  Crane,  Mrs.  Helena. 
i860.   Crane,  John  W. 
1865.  Crawbuck,  William. 

1858.  Crawford,  Mrs.  Martha. 
1865.    J  Creamer,  William  G. 
1865.     I  Creamer,  Mrs.  Harriet. 

1865.  Creamer,  Miss  Hattie  M. 
1863.  Crosby,  Mrs.  Florence  E. 
1852.  Crosby,  Miss  Martha  S. 
1852.  Crosby,  Mrs.  Sarah  B. 

1866.  Crowe,  Alfred. 

1851.    j  Cruikshank,  James. 

185 1.     J  Cruikshank,  Mrs.  Mary. 

1856.  Cruikshank,  Edwin  A. 

1862.  Cruikshank,  Miss  Jane  J. 

1859.  Cruikshank,  Mrs.  Mary  A. 

1863.  Cuff,  Mrs.  Martha  Matilda. 

1866.  Curtis,  William  R. 

1867.  Curtiss,  Daniel  W. 
1866.  Curtiss,  Judson. 
1861.  Cushman,  Thomas. 


1862. 
1862. 
1865. 
1866. 
1850. 
1855- 
1858. 
1864. 
1^49. 
1851. 
1864. 
1855. 
1855. 
1851. 
1858. 
1858. 
1861. 
1856. 
1856. 
1848. 
1866. 
1852. 
1855- 


1851. 
1857- 
1861. 
1857. 
1857. 


j  Dailey,  A.  H. 
1  Dailey,  Mrs.  E.  T. 
Dale,  Fullington. 
Dale,  Miss  Emma  A. 
Dalrymple,  Mrs.  Jane. 
Daniels,  Miss  Jane  L. 
Daniels,  Mrs.  Sophia  C. 
Danner,  Edgar  V.  H. 
j  Davenport,  A.  B. 

I  Davenport,  Mrs.  Jane  J. 
Davenport,  Albert  B. 

\  Davenport,  Daniel. 

I  Davenport,  Mrs.  Mary  A. 
Davis,  Mrs.  Catherine. 

J  Davis,  Charles  T. 

I  Davis,  Mrs.  Emma  T. 
Davis,  Chester  H. 

J  Davis,  Elijah  D. 

\  Davis,  Mrs.  Sarah. 
Davis,  Isaac  F. 
Davis,  Miss  Sarah  R. 
'Davis,  Thomas. 
Dawson,  Charles. 
Day,  Elias  H. 

j  Day,  George  H. 

j  Day,  Mrs.  Jeannette  L. 
Day,  Mrs.  Hannah  T. 
Day,  William  H. 

J  Dayton,  Hiram. 

I  Dayton,  Mrs.  Mary  Ann 


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PL  YMO  UTH  CIIUR  CIL 


241 


Tear 
Admitted. 

864.  Deadman,  Miss  Elizabeth  M. 
866.  Dean,  Mrs.  Maria  L. 

852.  Deane,  Robert. 

866.  Dearborn,  George  E. 

863.  Decker,  Miss  Nellie. 

865.  Decker,  Simon  C. 

847.  Decker,  Mrs.  Susan. 
858.  Delamater,  Mrs.  Maria. 

848.  De  Mott,  Mrs.  Catherine. 
865.  Demand,  Miss  Agnes. 
S60.  Demand,  Mrs.  Alma  Jane. 
852.  Dennis,  Miss  Ann. 

858.  Denny,  Mrs.  Mary  M. 

865.  Dickey,  Julius  C. 

858.  Dickie,  Mrs.  Catherine. 

861.  Dickinson,  Charles  P. 
860.  Dickinson,  Edward  J. 
851.  J  Dickinson,  Isaac  X. 

860.  j  Dickinson,  Mrs.  Louisa  J. 
S53.  Dickinson,  Mrs.  Ruth  A. 
S64.  Dike,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  M. 
848.  J  Dillingham,  William  S. 
848.  }  Dillingham,  Mrs.  Julia. 
858.  Dimon,  James. 

865.  Dimon,  William  B. 

S62.  Dodge,  Miss  Ann  Matilda. 

858.  Dodge,  Miss  Lizzie  W. 

862.  Dodge,  Miss  Maria  L. 

861.  Dorlon,  Mrs.  Caroline. 
S56.  Doubleday,  Alfred. 

851.  Dougherty,  Miss  Mary. 

848.  Downing,  Mrs.  Maria. 

864.  Downs,  David  S. 

866.  Doyle,  Miss  Emma  J. 

865.  I  Doyle,  James  E. 

865.  (Doyle,  Mrs.  Cornelia. 

866.  Doyle,  Thomas  L. 
850.  Drake,  Mrs.  Ann. 

849.  Drummond,  Miss  Susan. 

867.  Duerden,  Mrs.  Anne. 
858.  J  Du  Flon,  Vitallis. 
858.  I  Du  Flon,  Mrs.  Mary 
866.  J  Duncan,  Charles  C. 
866«   f  Duncan,  Mrs.  Hannah  J. 
S62.  Duncan,  Charles  D. 

866.  Duncan,  Frederick  C. 

858.  Duncan,  Mrs.  Lydia  S. 

866.  Dunn,  Mrs.  Lydia  Anne. 

852.  Dunn,  Mrs.  Susan  W. 


Durrie,  Daniel. 
52.   Duryea,  Miss  Aletta. 

49.  Duryea,  Hermanus  B. 
58.  Duryea,  Miss  Helen  E. 
52.   Duryea,  Miss  Maria  L. 
58.   Duryea,  Samuel  B. 

52.  Duryea,  Miss  Sarah  Ann. 
56.  Dwight,  Mrs.  Charlotte  P. 
63.    J  Dwyer,  John. 
62.    1  Dwyer,  Mrs.  Louisa. 
67.   Dwyer,  Miss  Fanny. 
40.  Dyas,  Mrs.  Dorothy. 

50.  Dyas,  Mrs.  Mary. 

11 


1848. 
1847. 
1S47. 
1865. 
1866. 
1858. 
1859. 
1850. 
1850. 
1 861. 
1861. 
1847. 
1852. 
1S63. 
1S63. 
1863. 
i865. 
1848. 
1S54. 
1866. 
1866. 
iSc-6. 


1S62. 


864. 

S06. 
865. 
860. 
860. 


E 

Eames,  Edward  A. 

j  Eames,  Luther. 

}  Eames,  Mrs.  Mehi table. 

j  Edgerton,  Francis  M. 

(  Edgerton,  Mrs.  Mary  R. 
Edwards,  William  W. 
Edwards,  Thomas. 

\  Eels,  Thomas  S. 

}  Eels,  Mrs.  Mary  A. 

J  Eklredge,  Joseph  C. 

I  Eldredge,  Mrs.  Reb'a  G. 

\  Fly,  H.  Gilbert. 

'(  Ely,  Mrs.  Mary  P. 
Ely,  Arthur  T. 

J  Ely,  Joseph  N. 

I  Ely,  Mrs.  Hannah  M.  R. 
Fly, 'Miss  Lydia  R. 
Fly,  Mrs.  Caroline  B. 
Elliott,  Augustus. 
Ensel,  Mrs.  Sarah. 
Ensel,  Miss  Sarah  B. 
F.stes,  Mrs.  Sarah  Ellen- 
Evans,  Mrs.  Margaret. 
Everitt,  Edwin  C. 
Ewbank,  Mrs.  Sarah. 


Fab-ens.  Miss  Alice  E. 
Fabens,  Miss  Carrie. 
Fabens,  Miss  Hannah  E. 
Fairman,  Mrs.  A.  P. 
Fates,  Mrs.  Edward. 
Fanning,  Miss  Lucy  C. 
Fanning,  Mrs.  Eliz.  B.  L. 
Fanning,  Mrs.  Mary  E. 

J  Fanning,  Thomas  C. 

rf  Fanning,  Mrs.  Mary  A. 
Farley,  Mrs.  Mary. 
Farnsworth,  Mrs.  Julia. 
Farrand,  Mrs.  Zilla  T. 
Farrar,  John  M. 
Farrar,  Mrs.  Mary  Jane. 
Farrar,  Miss  Mary  H. 
Farreli,  Miss  Elizabeth. 
Fair,  Mrs.  Mary  M. 
Fenner,  Miss  Flora  H. 
Fenner,  Miss  Julia  M. 

I  Fenton,  James. 

\  Fenton,  Mrs.  Jessie. 

j  Ferguson,  William. 

(  Ferguson,  Mrs.  Isab.  W. 

j  Fern,  Herbert. 

(  Fern,  Mrs.  Mary  Ann. 
Fernald,  Mrs.  Mary. 
J  Ferris,   Samuel  S. 

1  Ferris,  Mrs.  Elvira  M.  K. 
Field,  Charles  P. 
Field,  Wm.  Emile. 
Fisk,  Mrs.  Mary  J. 


242 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


Year 
-Admitted. 

1852.  j  Fitzgerald,  Andrew. 

1852.  )  Fitzgerald,  Mr>.  (;uh. 

1861.  Fitzgerald,  Miss  Catherine. 
1S60.  Flanders,  Mrs.  Jennie  D. 
1S50.  Fletcher,  I  lorace  R. 

1862.  Fletcher,  Miss  Luella  J. 
1852.  Flindt,  Mrs.  Maria  A. 
1856.  Flowers,  Mrs.  Jeannctte  C. 

I  Foote,  John. 

I  Foot  j,  Mrs.  Mary  E. 

Ford,  Adonijah  D. 

Ford,  Miss  Cornelia  M. 

Ford,  Mrs.  Jane. 

ForJ,  Mrs.  Mary  A. 
1855.  Formain,  .Sands  F. 
1866.  Foster,  Miss  Alice. 
1S5S.  Foster,  Mrs.  Esther  J. 
1850.   Foster,  Mrs.  Julia  I). 
i860.   Foster,  Miss  Mary  A. 
1858.  Foster,  Mrs.  Mary  Jane. 
1865. 
1865. 


1857. 
1857. 
1S50. 
1861. 
1S5S. 
1852. 


•'owlc,  John  A. 

I  Fowle.  Mrs.  Ehz: 

j  Freckelton,  John. 


1851.  j  Freckelton,  Mrs.  Mary  A. 

1849.  i  Freeland,  James. 

1849.  1  Freeland,  Mrs.  Caroline. 

1859.  j  French,  George  F. 
1862.  I  French,  Mrs.  Adelia  R. 

1860.  French,  Mrs.  Nancy. 
i860.  French,  Miss  Julia. 
1864.  Friedrick,  Miss  Amclie. 
1864.  Friedrick,  Miss  M.  Lucie. 
1865  Friedrick,  Miss  Octavie. 
1853.  Frink,  Mrs.  Maria  L. 
1862.  Fry,  Henry. 

1855.  Fuller,  Charles  L. 

1858.  Fuller,  Mrs.  Cornelia  L. 

i860.  Fuller,  Miss  Madana. 


1858.     (  Gale,  Thomas  D. 
1S58.    )  Gale,  Mrs.  Julia  E._ 
1858.  Gausman,  Mrs.  Caroline  S. 
1853.     I  Garbutt,  Elmer  H. 
1853.     }  Garbutt,  Mrs.  Emma. 

1863.  Garbutt,  Miss  Libbie  E. 
1852.   Garrod,  Mrs.  Amelia. 
1867.    j  Gatter,  Charles  E. 
1866.     f  Gatter,  Mrs.  Sarah. 
1866.   Getty,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  C. 

1848.  Gibbons,  Mrs.  Elizabeth. 

1849.  Gibbs,  Miss  Jane  Eliza. 

1850.  Gibbs,  John. 

iS-8.  Gibson,  Charles  D.  T. 
1858.  Gibson,  Edmund  T.  H.,  Jr. 
1G53.    Gibson,  Mrs.  Sarah  White. 
1849.   Giftbrd,  Mrs.  Sophia. 
1858.  Gilbert,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  W. 
1862.  Gilbert,  Miss  Elizabeth. 
1861.    J  Gillespie,  James  II. 
1861.    I  Gillespie.  Mrs.  Mary  A. 

1864.  Gladwin,  Mrs.  Hannah  M. 


T^ar 

■ 

860.  J  Gleason,  Fernando  C. 

860.  I  Gleason,  Mrs.  Harriet  A. 

855.  Glover,  Joseph  C. 

848.  Glover,  Miss  Maria  Jane. 

52.  Glover,  MisskhodaA. 

S56.  Gold,  Cornelius. 

866.  Gold,  Mrs.  Hattie  S.  H. 

864.  Goddard,  Mrs.  Emily  C. 

862.  Gommerson,  Mrs.  Emily. 
852.  J  Goodno.v,  Erasmus  D. 
052.  7  Goodnow,  Mrs.  Caroline. 
852.  Goodrich,  Mrs.  Phoebe  J. 

866.  j  Gordon,  William  G. 

865.  )  Gordon,  Mrs.  Mary  E. 

867.  Gorman,  Miss  Agnes. 

866.  Gossip,  Mrs.  Elizabeth. 
865.  Gould,  Charles. 

863.  Gould,  Miss  Julia  F. 


58. 


S66. 

cCz. 

Z62. 
862. 
B58. 

84  5. 


Graff,  George. 

1  Graff,  Mrs.  Sarah  B. 

Grassie,  William  C. 

Graves,  Miss  Alice  C. 

j  Graves,  Erastus  A. 

I  Graves,  Mrs.  Cornelia  J. 

Graves,  E. 

Graves,  Miss  Fanny  R. 

Graves,  Miss  Henrietta  A. 
864.  Graves,  John  M. 
S62.   Graves,  Mrs.  LucyM. 
859.   Graves,  Miss  Louisa  M. 
866.   Graves,  Miss  Mary  Ella. 
857.  Graves,  Miss  Mary  Z. 
859.    J  Graves,  Rufus  R. 
859.     f  Graves,  Mrs.  Mary  Jane. 
855.  Grayston,  John. 
849.   Green,  Miss  Sarah  Eliz'h. 

864.  Green,  John. 

855.   Green,  Miss  Margaret. 
854.   Greenough,  Miss  Hannah. 
866.   Gregory,  Mrs.  Emma  13. 

857.  Grierson,  Mrs.  Susanna. 
866.   Grierson,  Miss  Susie. 
848.   Griffin,  Miss  Sarah. 

861.  Griffith,  John. 

858.  Grimshaw,  Miss  Ann. 
1.858.    J  Grimshaw,  Henry  H. 

858.  I  Grimshaw,  Mrs.  Eliz.  C. 
S56.  Griswold,  Mrs.  Henrietta. 
852.    j  Griswold,  Stephen  M. 

862.  I  Griswold,  Mrs.  Louisa  M. 
861.  Gulick,  John  T. 

865.  Gunn,  John. 
865.   Gustin,  John  H. 

857-    J  Guthrie,  Columbus  B. 
857.     )  Guthrie,  Mrs. 
857.   Gwynn,  Miss  Mary. 

H 

1866.   Habberton,  Mrs.  Esther  E. 
1866.    Habberton,  Miss  Hattie  S. 
1S66.   Habberton,  John. 
1S66.  Habberton,  Miss  Mary  E. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCIL 


243 


Tear 
Admitted. 

866.  Hagar,  John. 

858.  Hagar,  Mrs.  Susan. 

866.  Hague,  Thomas  O. 

864.    J  Haight,  Abner  S. 

864.     J  Haight,  Mrs.  Harriet  E. 

S65.   Haight,  Mrs.  Grace  M. 

866.  Haight,  Jonathan. 

847.  Hale,  Richard. 

861.  Hall,  Miss  Ellen. 
858.  Hall,  Miss  Elizabeth. 

864.  Hall,  Miss  Emma  P. 
860.  Hall,  Joseph  T.  H. 
858.   Halliday,  Alexander. 
866.  Halliday,  Miss  Amelia. 
866.   Halliday,  Miss  Amy  E. 
866.    J  Halliday,  S.  13. 

866.  "J  Halliday,  Mrs.  Mary  C. 

867.  Hallock,  Charles  W. 
852.  Hallock,  Daniel  B. 

865.  Halsey,  Miss  Anna  M. 

862.  Halsey,  Charles  F. 

862.  Halsey,  Miss  Mary. 
850.  Halsey,  James  M. 
860.    j  Halsey,  Warren. 
860.     \  Halsey,  Mrs.  Lydia. 
854.  Halsted,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  A. 

857.  Halsted,  Miss  Juliet. 

864.  Halsted,  Miss  Mary  Ann. 
854.  Hamilton,   Cutler. 

858.  Hamilton,  Francis  P. 
858.   Hansell,  Mrs.  Lydia. 

857.  Hansell,  Thomas. 

867.  Harris,  Mrs.  Margaret. 

863.  Harris,  Mrs.  Mary  Ann. 

865.  Harris,  William  S. 

856.  Hart,  Mrs.  Eugenia  C. 
860.    J  Hart,  Rev.  Levi  Wells. 
860.     j  Hart,  Mrs.  Georgiana  N. 

865.  Hart,  Miss  Sarah. 

848.  Hartman,  Mrs.  Matilda  S. 

866.  Harwood,  Miss  Hattie  E. 

864.  j  Harwood,  William  A. 
864.  "j  Harwood,  Mrs.  S.  M. 
852.  j  Haskell,  Samuel  S. 
850.  1  Haskell,  Mrs.  Elizabeth. 
866.  Hastings,  Frederick  G. 
866.  Hathaway,  Miss  Mary  C. 

858.  Havens,  Miss  Julia  Eva. 
860.    J  Hawes,  Peter  A. 

860.     I  Hawes,  Mrs.   Mary. 

857.  j  Hawkins,  David  H. 

857.  )  Hawkins,  Mrs.  Julia  P. 

856.  Hawks,  Miss  C  H.  E. 

858.  Hawks,  Mrs.  Sarah  M. 

859.  Havvley,  Amos  P. 

857.  J  Hayden,  Alfred  P. 

857.  I  Hayden,  Mrs.  Nancy. 
864.  j  Hayes,  Jonathan  W. 
864.  I  Hayes,  Mrs.  Mary  P. 

860.  Hayes,  Mrs.  Mary  C. 
862.  Hayman,  Mrs.  Sarah. 

849.  Haynes,  Robert. 

858.  Haynes,  Mrs.  Naomi. 


Year 
Admitted. 

858.    j  Haynes,  Samuel. 

861.     j  Haynes,  Mrs.  Emeline. 

852.    J  Healy,  Aaron. 

852.     I  Healy,  Mrs.  Elizabeth. 

865.  Healy,  Stephen  W. 
855.   Heath,  Mrs.  Elizabeth. 
S58.  Heminglon,  Miss  Eliza. 
863.  Hemstreet,  Miss  Elizabeth; 
858.  Henshaw,  Mrs.  Maria  E. 

866.  Herron,  Joseph  M. 

854.  Hervey,  Mrs.  Prudence. 
852.    J  Hickcox,  George  A. 

850.     j  Hickcox,  Mrs.  Caroline  A. 

861.  Hicks,  Mrs.  Emeline. 

862.  J  Hicks,  Walter  S. 

862.  )  Hicks,  Mrs.  Parmelia  A. 

863.  Higgins,  Miss  Ellen. 
862.  Higgins,  Robert. 

865.  Hildreth,  Augustus  G. 

864.  j  Hill,  .Abraham. 
864.    )  Hill,  Mrs.  Carrie  S. 

855.  Hill,  Mrs.  Frances  C. 
858.  Hill,  Mrs.  Ellen  W. 
858.  Hill,  Mrs.  Huldah. 

866.  Hill,  Mrs.  Mary  Anne. 
864.  Hilton,  Mrs.  Amelia. 

857.  Hinkly,  Miss  Emily  A. 
862.  Hinman,  Miss  Clara. 
860.  Hitchcock.  Miss  A.  S. 
855.   Hodges,  Mrs.  Ruth  M. 

858.  Hoffman,  Mrs.  Mary  G. 
866.    j  Holmes,  David  S. 

866.  1  Holmes,  Mrs.  Sarah  C. 

848.  Holbrook,  Miss  Emeline. 

860.  Hooker,  Mrs.  Sophia. 

862.  Hooper,  Mrs.  Anna  Maria. 

847.  Horsey,  Mrs.  Sophia. 

864.  Horton,  Miss  Margaret  R. 

859.  Hosie,  Alexander. 

852.  House,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  W. 
864.  Howard,  Charles  M. 

864.  Howard,  Frank  W. 

858.  Floward,  Mrs.  Georgiana  E. 

864.  Howard,  H.  W.  B. 

847.    j  Howard,  John  T. 

853.  I  Howard,  Mrs.  Susan  T. 
857.  Howard,  John  R. 

852.    j  Howard,  Joseph  P. 

857.  I  Howard,  Mrs.  Harriet  F. 

858.  Howard,  Miss  Susan  R. 

855.  Howell,  Mrs.  Nancy. 

856.  j  Hubbard,  Abner. 

856.  \  Hubbard,  Mrs.  Elizabeth. 

857.  j  Hudson,  George. 

857.     |  Hudson,  Mrs.  Esther  C. 
862.  Huffington,  Miss  Eliza. 
862.     \  Huffington,  John  W. 


S62 


j  Huffim 
)  Huffim 


ton,  Mrs.  Julia  E. 


858.  Hulett,  Mrs.  Ellen  A.  T. 
866.  Humphrey,  Miss  Agnes. 
858.    J  Hunt,  James  N. 
858.     |  Hunt,  Mrs.  Mary. 
866.  Hunter,  Miss  Arabella, 


n 


244 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


T.Tir 
Admitted. 

1S63.    J  Huntington,  Hiram  L. 
1863.    I  Huntington,  Mrs.  Anna. 
1863.   Huntington,  John  L. 
i860.   Huntley,  Mrs.  Nancy  M. 
1350.   Hurlbut,  Mrs.  M.  E. 
1857.    J  Hutchinson,  John  1». 

1857.  J  Hutchinson,  Mrs.  Ruth  13 

1858.  j  Hutchinson,  John  W. 
1862.    "j  Hutchinson,  Mrs.  G.  A. 
1862.   Hutchinson,  Miss  Sarah  R. 
1S62.   Huttamycr,  Miss  A.  Maria. 


1857.  Ilsley,  Caleb. 

1864.  Ingham,  Miss  Annette. 


1850.  James,  Miss  Mary. 
:.  James,  Mrs.  Mary. 
_  I.  James,  Miss  Mary. 
[863.    J  James,  William  E. 
1863.    "j  James,  Mrs.  Sarah. 
1865.  Jaques,  Richard  D. 

1849.  Jaques,  Mrs.  Susan  D. 
;.  Jaques,  Miss  Zipporah  D. 
I.  Jennings,  George  H. 

1854.  Jennet,  Mrs.  Nancy. 
1858.  Jerncgan.  Miss  Sarah  M. 
I56.  Jewell,  Mrs.  Eliza  J. 
[866.     I  Johnson,  Carlisle  P.  ~- 
566.    \  Johnson,  Mrs.  Caroline. 
558.  Johnson,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  A. 
358.  Johnson,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  C. 
t866.  Johnson,  Miss  Eanny  E. 

j-  Johnson,  Harlan  P. 
[866.  Johnson,  Miss  Harriet  B. 
t.  Johnson,  H.  F. 
!.    J  Jones,  Benjamin  P. 
_  I.    1  Jones,  Mrs.  Anna  M. 
[859.  Jones,  A.  D. 
[861.  Jones,  Mrs.  Elizabeth. 
56.  Jones,  Miss  Emeline. 
51.  Jones,  Miss  Emily, 
ji.  Jones,  Miss  Harriet. 
1863.    J  Jordan,  Thomas. 
[863.     I  Jordan,  Mrs.  Sarah. 
t862.     I  Jov,  Henry  15. 
[862.     \  Joy,  Mrs.  Elizabeth. 
[865.  Joyce,  Miss  Harriet  Emma. 
1865.  Joyce,  Thomas  U. 
[866.  Ju'dd,  Mortimer  N. 

1850.  Judson,  Miss  Mary  Jane. 

K 

1851.  Keeler,  Amos. 
1S60.   Keen,  Robert  L. 

1858.  Keese,  Miss  Charlotte  W. 

i860.  Kellogg.  Mrs.  Mary  E. 

i860.  Kelly,  Miss  Man-. 

1850.  Kempshall,  Miss  Julia  Ann. 


Year 
Admitted. 

1856.  Kennedy,  Samuel  C. 
1866.    Kenncy,  Miss  Maria  L. 
1852.  Kent,  Mrs.  Hannah  C. 
1S60.   Kent,  Mrs.  Sarah  Ann  M. 
1C66.  Kent,  Miss  Sarah  D. 
1855.   Kiuimerslev,  Mrs.  Ann. 
1848.   King,  Mrs.' Elizabeth. 
J  King,  Horatio  C. 
\  King,  Mrs.  Esther  A. 
King,  Mrs.  Jane  Olivia. 
Kingsley,  Edwin  E. 
J  Knapp,  Francis. 
Knapp,  Mrs.  Eliza. 


1866. 
1858. 
1847. 
1S58. 
1857. 
1857. 


1862.  Knapp,  Henry  E. 

1854.  Knapp,  Joseph  W. 

1S54.  Knapp,  Rev.  Nathan  B. 

1858.  Knight,  Philip  M. 

1853.  Knocpfel,  John  G. 


1865. 
1865. 
1861. 
1S61. 
1861. 
1S61. 
1861. 
1855. 
1866. 
1857. 
1858. 
1865. 
1857. 
1854. 
i860. 
1861. 
1850. 
1858. 
1852. 
1857. 
1857. 

1855. 
1857. 
i853. 
1865. 
1864. 

Is53' 
1866. 

1853. 


IS66. 
1866. 


[S64. 
1858. 


Ladd,  Miss  Mary  Ellen. 
Lamb,  Mrs.  Helen. 
Lamb,  Miss  Mary. 

J  Lancaster,  Rev.  Daniel. 

)  Lancaster,  Mrs.  Eliza  G. 
Lancaster,  Daniel  E. 
Lancaster,  Miss  Helen. 
Lancaster,  Miss  Ann  E. 

J  Lane,  Anthony. 

I  Lane,  Mrs.  Mary  P. 

I  Lane,  James. 

I  Lane,  Mrs.  Lois  M. 
Lane,  Miss  Mary  Ida. 
Lant,  David. 
La  Praite,  John. 
Law,  Charles. 
Law,  Charles  R. 
Lawrence,  John  B. 
Leary,  James  L. 
Ledyard,  Miss  Maria. 

J  Leigh,  Robert. 

I  Leigh,  Mrs.  Georgiana. 
Leonard,  John. 
Leonard,  Mrs.  Nancy. 
Lewis,  Mrs.  Emma. 
Lewis,  Miss  Fanny  E. 
Lewis,  John. 
Lightbody,  James  H. 

J  Lincoln,  George  B. 

I  Lincoln,  Mrs.  Mary  A.  M. 
Lincoln,  Geo.  B.,  Jr. 
Lissels,  Miss  Jane. 

I  Livingston,  Geo.  H. 

I  Livingston,  Mrs.  Eliz. 
Lloyd,  Henry  H. 
Long,  Frederick  H.  C. 
Long,  Walter  P. 
Loomis,  Miss  Fanny  A. 
Love,  Miss  Margaret. 
Lovett.  William. 
Low,  John. 
Lowe,  Samuel. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


245 


Tear 
Admitted. 

1857.  Lowndes,  Mrs.  Elizabeth. 

1858.  Lownds,  Miss  Cecilia  K. 
1858.  Lownds,  Mrs.  Jane  M. 
1858.  Ludlow,  W.  P. 

1852.  Ludlam,  Mrs.  Sarah. 

1866.  Lunan,  Miss  Kate. 

1857.  Lunn,  Mrs.  Ann. 

1864.  Lunt,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  H. 

1866.  j  Lyman,  Alfred  E. 

1866.  [  Lyman,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  S. 

1866.  Lyman,  Miss  Helen  O. 


1866. 
1848. 
1862. 
1848. 
[854. 


Lyman,  William  A. 

j  Lynde,  Martins  T. 

I  Lynde,  Mrs.  Eliz.  T. 
Lynde,  Mrs.  Eli;  a  W. 
Lyon,  Mrs.  Marietta, 


1852.  Lyons,  Mrs.  Ann. 
1858.   Lyons,  Miss  Eliza  Ann. 


1865.  Mack,  Mrs.  Mary. 

i860.  Maconnell,  Mrs.  Elizabeth. 

1865.  Macy,  Jared. 

1858.   McAUey,  Miss  Janet. 

1849.  Mcl'ride,  Anthony. 

1853.  McCarty,  Miss  Mary  E. 
1864.   McCollnm,  Mrs.  Ella  Lake. 
1862.  McChesncy,  Mrs.  Elizabeth. 
1858.  McCormick,  Lachlan. 

1867.  McCraken,  Mrs.  Mary  Anne. 
1856.  McCray,  Samuel  II. 

1850.  McCrommell,  Mrs.  Margaret. 

1851.  j  McFlroy,  Robert. 

1851.'  1  McElroy,  Mrs.  Elizabeth. 
1862.  McFarland,  Miss  Cath.  E. 
1848.    J  McFarland,  James. 
1848.     j  McFarland,  Mrs.  Elizabeth. 

1858.  j  McGrottv,  Alexander. 

1859.  j  McGrottv,  Mrs.  H.  L. 
1862.   Mclntyre,  Samuel. 

1864.  McKay,  Miss  Isabella. 
1850.   McKay,  Mi.^s  Mary  A. 

1854.  J  McKay,  William. 
1854.     I  McKay,  Mrs.  Ann. 
1867.   McKenzie,  Mrs.  Hannah. 
1867.   McKenzie,  Miss  Helen. 
1858.    J  McLaugMin,  John. 

i860.     I  McLaughlin,  Mrs.  Sus.  K. 

1866.  McLeod,  Donald. 
1866.  McMahon,  Charles  E. 
i860.   McMahon,  Miss  Helen  R. 

1856.  McMahon,  James. 
1862.  McMasters,  Miss  Sarah. 
1858.  McMillan,  Andrew  T. 
i860.  McMillan,  Mrs.  Margaret. 

1857.  McNi^hton,  Miss  Jane. 

1865.  McWiiliam,  Miss  Annie. 

1866.  McWiiliam,  Miss  Mary  A. 
1866.  Maklem,  Miss  Lucy  E. 
1866.   Malcolm,  James  R. 

1858.  Mallatrat,  James. 
1865.  Mallatrat,  James  Wm. 


Year 
Admitted. 

1857.  Mallory,  Miss  Anna  A. 

1857.  Mallory,  Miss  Frances  T. 

1850.  Mallory,  Miss  Mary. 
1857.  Mallory,  Mrs.  Theresa  F. 

1857.  J  Manchester,  Lysandcr  W. 

1851.  I  Manchester,  Mrs.  M.  M. 
1C52.  Mann,  Mrs.  Susan. 

1858.  Marchant,  Mrs.  Mary  C. 
1858.   Markillic,  Thomas. 
1862.  Marie,  Mrs.  Sarah  E. 

1861.  Marquis,  Mrs.  Emma. 
1866.  Marsh,  Charles  C. 
1866.  Marsh,  Irwin  G. 
1858.  Marsh,  John  B. 
185S.  Marsh,  William  B. 

1862.  Marshall,  Miss  Lizzie. 
1862.  Martin,  Mrs.  Annie  H. 
1858.  Martin,  Miss  Cornelia. 
1858.  J  Martin,  George  G. 
1858.  J  Martin,  Mrs.  Mary  E.  L. 
1862.  j  Martin,  James. 

1862.     |  Martin,  Mrs.  Emily. 

1858.   Marvin,  Miss  Fanny. 

1850.   Marvin,  Isaac. 

1862.    j  Marvin,  John. 

1862.     I  Marvin,  Mrs.  Lydia  A. 

1858.    J  Marvin,  Oliver  W. 

1858.    1  Marvin,  Mrs.  Cornelia  C. 

1858.  Marvin,  Miss  Sarah. 

1849.  Maryoit,  Miss  Elizabeth  C. 
1858.    j  Mason,  John  William. 
1858.    1  Mason,  Mrs.  Hannah  M. 

1850.  Mason,  Joseph  Warren. 

1855.  Mason,  Mrs.  Margaret. 
1858.   Mason,  Miss  Margaret  J. 

1858.  Masters,  Miss  Delia  A. 

1859.  Mather,  Mrs.  Caroline  G. 

1849.  Mather,  Mrs.  Sarah. 

1858.  Mathews,  Miss  Adelaide  W. 
1853.  Mathews,  Henry  E. 

1856.  May,  Mrs.  Emeline. 
i860.   Maynard,  Mrs.  Matilda  T. 
1866.    j  Mayo,  J.  Rhodes. 
1866.     j  Mayo,  Mrs.  Elmira  S. 

1859.  J  Mears,  G.  Washington. 
1864.  1  Mears,  Mrs.  Mary  L. 
1861.  Meekes,  Mrs.  Caroline. 
i86r.  Meekes,  Miss  Mary  Eliz'h. 

1855.  Megarey,  Mrs.  Mary  Anne. 

1852.  Meikle,  Mrs.  Irene. 

1856.  j  Meldrum,  Robert. 
1856.     I  Meldrum,  Mrs.  Mary. 

1850.  Mellen,  Mrs.  Helen  S. 
1858.  Mercein,  Miss  Caroline. 
1859-  Mercein,  Miss  Emma  C. 
1849.  Mercein,  Mrs.  Mary. 
1866.  Mercer,  Miss  Josephine  L. 

1858.  Merchant,  Mrs.  Sarah  D. 

1855.  I  Meriam,  Silas  A. 

1859.  (  Meriam,  Mrs.  Louise  A. 
1858.  Merker,  Miss  Mary  Ann. 
1858.  Merriam,  Mrs  Eliza. 

1856.  Merrifield,  Mrs.  Lizzie. 


246 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


Tear 

Admitted. 


1858. 


i8<  5. 

[864. 

1864. 

1866. 

'857. 

[858, 

1861. 

1861. 
3=5- 
00. 
?57- 

1865. 

[865. 

[862. 

1849. 

[853. 

1863. 

[866. 

'859. 

t85=. 


l»57- 

i860. 
i860. 
353. 
i8<  j. 
1S60. 
1S48. 
1852. 
1858. 
1858. 
[850. 


1858. 


1847. 
1858. 

1S58. 
i85i. 


r663. 

1862. 
tS58- 

1859. 
1858. 
r866. 

«*• 

[862. 
56. 
[861. 
[855- 
1S56.- 


J  Merrill,  William  F. 

j  .Morrill.  Mrs.  Julia  A. 

j  Mcrriman,  Edwin  R. 

I  Mcrriman,  Mrs.  Emily  J. 
Mcrriman,  Ralph. 

J  Merv.in,  Jan 

J  Merwin,  Mrs.  Marg.  A. 

Miller,  Miss  Amanda. 

Miller,  Mrs.  Clara  Ely. 

Miller,  Miss  Fanny  Jane. 

\  Miller,  GreenleafP. 

J  Miller,  Mrs.  Nancy  P. 
Miller,  Ira  O. 
Milliken,  Mrs.  Mary; 
Mills,  Mrs.  Ann. 

I  Mills,  Clark  W. 

I  Mills.  Mrs.  Julia  C. 
Mills,  George  A. 
Milne,  Mrs.  Mary. 
Moneypenny,  Richard  H. 
Monroe,  Miss  Caroline. 
Monson,  Homer  G. 
Monte,  Mrs.  Mary. 

»  tmery,  Mrs.  M. 
. ,  Moses  K. 

)  Moodey,  Mrs.  Hannah  M. 
Moore,  Miss  H.  Augusta. 

^  Mordough,  James  H. 
"l  Mordough,  Mrs.  Mary. 
Morgan,  Mrs.  Ann. 
Morgan,  Charles  C. 
Moriey,  James. 

\  Morrill,  Henry  E. 

/  Morrill,  Mrs.  Cordelia. 
Morris,  Mrs.  Agnes. 
Morris,  Miss  Agnes. 
Morris,  Mrs.  Elizabeth. 

\  Morris,  James. 

1  Morris,  Mrs.  IsaVa  M.  S. 
Morris,  Miss  Mar:ha. 
Morris,  John  A. 
Morrison,  Mrs.  Diana. 
Morse,  Mrs.  Joanna  S. 
Morse,  John  F. 
Moser,  "Mrs.  Sarah  L. 
Moulton,  Mrs.  Emma  C.  R. 
Mount,  Miss  Elizabeth. 
Mowry,  James  T. 
Muir,  James  B. 
Muller,  Mrs.  Emma  P.  S. 
Muller,  James. 
Muller,  Miss  Louisa. 
Muller,  Mrs.  Marianne. 
Munday,  Mrs.  Maria. 
Munroe,  Mrs.  Lizzie  C. 
Murray,  Charles  H.  P. 
Murray,  Mrs.  Martha  H. 
Myers,  Mrs.  Catharine  A. 
J  Myers,  Evart. 

j  Myers,  Mrs.  Louise. 

j  Myers,  Michael  A. 

\  Myers,  Mrs.  Lucy  A. 


N 

Year 
Admitted. 

i860.  Nash,  J.  A. 

1866.  Nash,  Henry. 

i860.   Nash,  Mrs.  Mary  C. 

1858.    J  Neal,  William  ft 

[j  •  *.     j  Neal.  Mrs.  Lucy  D. 

1853.  Newberry,  E.  D. 

1850.  Newton,  Mrs.  Catharine  A. 

1851.  J  Nichols,  Edward  A. 
1851.    I  Nichols,  Mrs.  Cath.  Y. 
1866.  Nichols,  George  E. 
1S51.    j  Nichols,  George  H. 
1856.     )  Nichols,  Mrs.  Sarah  E. 
1S58.  Nichols,  George  K. 

1S57.  Nichols,  Mrs.  Gliver  Agnes. 
1861.  Noble,  Miss  Annie  F. 
1849.    J  Noble,  James. 
1S49.    I  Noble,  Mrs.  Jeannette. 
1858.  Norton,  Dwight  A. 
Norton,  Jonathan  T. 


j  Noyes,  James  S. 
I  N. 


1S62 
1866. 

Noyes,  Mrs.  Jenny  B. 
1S58.  Noyes,  Mrs.  Mary  S. 
1S60.     \  Nutting,  Thomas  B. 
i860.     I  Nutting.  Mrs.  Julia  L. 
1C64.  Nutting,  Thos.  B.  (2d). 


1858.  O'Brien,  Richard. 
1S58.  Obenberger,  Miss  Matilda. 
1848.   Old.  Charles. 
1S58.    J  Oliver,  Charles  H. 
1858.    1  Oliver.  Mrs.  AdeKa  A. 
1858.   Olnev,  Mrs.  Dollv  E. 
1858.  Onion,  Mrs.  Mary  A. 
i860,    j  Orton,  Jason  R. 
1853.     I  Orton,  "Mrs.  Sarah  R. 
1862.  Osmun,  Mrs.  Lucretia  P. 
1858.   Otis,  Mrs.  Cornelia  L. 
1866.  Otis.  Mrs.  Emma  Jane. 
184S.    i  Otis,  William  H. 
1S48.    )  Otis,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  A. 
1865.     I  Ovington,  Edward  J. 
1S65.    \  Ovington,  Mrs.  Maria  N. 
1852.  Ovington,  Theodore  T. 


1867.  Packer,  Mrs.  Margaret. 
1849.    (  Page,  Amos  C. 
1849.    J  Page,  Mrs.  Elizabeth. 
e.  Mrs.  Aurelia  E. 
Painter,  Thomas  A. 

1858.  "(  Painter,  Mrs.  Adelaide. 

1559.  Palmer,  A.  Judson. 

1859.  Palmer,  Lorin. 
1S61.  Park,  Mrs.  Helen. 
1859.   Parker,  Asa. 

1560.  Parker.  Asa  W. 

1S39.   Parker,  Miss  Harriet  L. 
1S5S.  Parker,  Mrs.  Rebecca. 


PL  ymo  urn  CIIUR  CH. 


247 


Year 
Admitted. 

854.  Parker,  Mrs.  Parmelia. 

£66.  Parkhurst,  David  L. 

857.  Parmalee,  Miss  Jane  Ann. 

857.  I  Parsons,  James. 

857.  I  Parsons,  Mrs.  Amelia. 

S66.  Partridge,  Miss  Hattie  A. 

S64.  Pate,  Mrs.  Harriet. 

864.  Pate,  Miss  Harriet  E. 
852.  Payne,  Mrs.  Eliza. 
857.  Payne,  Miss  Mary  H. 
857.  Payne,  Miss  Sarah  E. 

865.  Pearce,  Miss  Matilda. 
854.  Peaslee,  Miss  Mary  S. 


C63. 
863. 
863. 
863. 


862. 
849. 
849. 


£64. 


Peck,  Alfred  A. 
Peck,  Mrs.  Marian  M. 
Teck,  R.  Sanford. 
Peck,  Mrs.  Rebecca  R, 
853.   Perkins,  Frederick. 
S61.   Perkins,  Mrs.  Maria. 
Perry,  Miss  Ann  Eliza. 
J  Perry,  Tohn  J. 
1  Perry,  Mrs.  M.  E. 
Peters,  Edward  J. 
Pettis,  Miss  Pamelia. 
j  Phelps,  Henry  B. 
I  Phelps,  Mrs.  Lucetta  B. 
Phillips,  Mrs.  Helen  M. 

857.  Phillips,  John  P. 

865.  Phipps,  Mrs.  Catharine  L. 

866.  Phipps,  Charles  L. 
866.   Pinckert,  William. 
866.  Pine,  Mrs.  Frances  G. 
850.  Pinkham,  Miss  Eliza  M.  A. 
850.    j  Pitt,  John  B. 

850.  j  Pitt,  Mrs.  Caroline. 

851.  Pittie,  Mrs.  Clarissa. 
848.   Plant,  Edward. 

S58.    J  Plate,  Richard  T. 

858.  I  Plate,  Mrs.  Louisa. 
866.    J  Polhemus,  John  D. 

865.    j  Polhemus,  Mrs.  Hattie  A. 
8^6.     i  Pond,  H.  Augustus. 
856.    1  Pond,  Mrs.  Julia. 

851.  j  Porter,  .Augustus  D. 
S51.     j  Porter,  Mrs.  Keziah  C. 
848.    J  Post,  George  W. 

848.     }  Post,  Mrs.  Cornelia  E. 
858.  Post,  Mrs.  Mary  A.  J. 

852.  Post,  William. 


§55. 

Potter,  Miss  Fanny. 
Potter,  Miss  Josephine. 

855. 

Geo. 

Potter,  Miss  Frances  Anne. 

859- 

Potter,  Thomas. 

81  3. 

Powell,  Ardon  K. 

S62. 

Powell,  Rufus  W. 

867. 

Power,  Mrs.  Margaret  E. 

85S. 

Pratt,  Mrs.  Caroline  M. 

858. 

Pratt,  Miss  Mary. 

S5S. 

J  Pratt,  William. 

j  Pratt,  Mrs.  Sarah  M. 

858. 

S63. 

Prescott,  C.  J. 

1865. 

Preston,  Mrs.  Sarah 

849.  Purchase,  Miss  Eleanor. 


Year 

Admitted. 

1858.   Queen,  James  St.  Clair. 
1S66.   Quinn,  Miss  Lucy  E. 


?5- 


j  Rae,  Richard. 

I  Rae,  Mrs.  Helen  J. 

{Randall,  Lewis  G. 
Randall,  Mrs.  Mary  E. 
Randolph,  Mrs.  Harriet. 

j  Rankin,  Andrew  N. 

j  Rankin,  Mrs.  Eliza  R. 

j  Rankin,  John. 

I  Rankin,  Mrs.  Eliza. 
Rapp,  Miss  Lizzie. 
Raymond,  Miss  Almira  P. 
Raymond,  Carrington  H. 

j  Raymond,  Charles  W. 

I  Raymond,  Mrs.  Clara  W. 
Raymond,  Miss  Harriet  J. 
Raymond,  Miss  Eliza  O. 

j  Raymond,  Robert  R. 

I  Raymond,  Mrs.  Mary  A. 

j  Raymond,  Rossiter  W. 

1  Raymond,  Mrs.  Sarah  D. 
Raymond,  Sheldon  C. 
Raymond,  Miss  Susan  H. 
Raynor,  Miss  Amy. 
Raynor,  Miss  Ellen  A. 

J  Reanier,  William. 

I  Reanier,  Mrs.  Martha. 
Reasoner,  Mrs.  Ruth  Ann. 
Redhouse,  William. 

j  Reed,  J.  Herbert. 

(  Reed,  Mrs.  Anna. 
Reeve,  Miss  Elizabeth. 
Reeve,  Mrs.  Lydia  Crane. 
Reynolds,  Mrs.  Olivia. 
Reynolds,  Miss  Olivia. 
Reynolds,  John. 
Rich,  Mrs.  Mary. 
Rich,  Miss  Mary  S. 
Rich,  Miss  Sarah  F. 
Richardson,  Miss  Louisa  L. 

j  Riecks,  Carsden  W. 

I  Riecks,  Mrs.  Matilda. 
Riecks.  Miss  Martha  E. 

j  Rippier,  Stephen  J. 

I  Rippier,  Mrs.  Rebecca. 

J  Rippier,  Thomas  S. 

)  Rippier,  Mrs.  Sarah. 
Ripton,  Mrs.  Lucy  Jane. 

j  Robbins,  Samuel. 

")  Robbins,  Mrs.  Sophronia. 
Roberts,  Albert. 

J  Roberts,  Edward. 

)  Roberts,  Mrs.  Mary  E. 
Roberts,  Mrs.  Man,-. 
Robertson,  Archibald. 
Robinson,  David  W. 

j  Robinson,  George  C. 

(  Robinson,  Mrs.  Mary  L. 


248 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


Yoar 
Admitted. 

1858.  Robinson,  James  C. 

1857.  Robinson,  John  C. 

1858.  S  Robinson,  Marcus  W. 
1S58.    >  Robinson,  Mrs.  Abigail  S. 
1S56.  Rockwell,  Mrs.  Isabella. 
1862.   Rockwood,  Justin  E. 

1856.  Rockwood,  Mrs.  Mary  A. 
1855.  Rogers,  Mrs.  Adeline, 

1855.  Rogers,  Clifford  J. 
1858.  Rogers,  Mrs.  Eleanor  H. 
1864.  Rogers,  Miss  Mary  E. 
1S55.  Rogers,  Mrs.  Jane  R. 
1S63.  Roome,  Mrs.  Sarah  F.  W. 
1852.     i  Ropes,  Reuben  W. 
1S55.     >  Ropes,  Mrs.  Maria  L. 

1856.  Roth,  George  J. 
1S5S.  Roundv.  Cenj.  B. 

1852.  }  Royall,  John  H. 

1S52;     \  Royall,  Mrs.  Louisa  H. 
1861.  Roys,  Mrs.  Huldah. 
Rumrell,  Marshall. 

1853.  7  Rumrell,  Mrs.  Anna. 

1560.  Russell,  H.  V. 
1861.     \  Rvan,  James  E. 

1561.  >  Ryan,  "Mrs.  Adelaide. 
1S5S.  Ryer,  Mrs.  Margaret  Ann. 


S 


1866.  Sage,  Henry  W. 

1S58.   Sammis,  Mrs.  Amanda  B. 

1S66.   Sampson,  Mrs.  Mary  D.  P. 

1S60.     S  Sanderson,  Elnathan  L. 

i860,     \  Sanderson.  Mrs.  Mary  E. 

1850.    ]  Sanger,  Whiting. 

1850.     J  Sanger,  Mrs    Lucy  C. 

1864.    Saunders,  Mrs.  Sarah  E. 

1S58.   Sayre,  Mrs.  Eliza. 

1857.   Scales,  Miss  Mary  Nelson. 

1866.   Schastei,  George  Alfred. 

1864.  Schermerhom,  Thomas. 

1857.  Seott,  Miss  Man,-  Jane. 
1S66.   Scrimshaw,  Frederick. 
1848.   Scudder,  Mrs.  Phcebe. 
185S.    j  Seaburv,  Alexander. 
1S58.     /  Seaburv.  Mrs.  Lydia  B. 

1858.  Seaman,  Mrs.  Eliza  M. 
1 3 54.   Sellick,  Mrs,  T. 

1857.     t  Seymour,  George  N. 

1857.  )  Seymour,  Mrs.  Emily  L» 
1S65.  Sevmour,  Miss  Millicent. 

1858.  \  Shaw,  Prosper  P". 
1858.     \  Shaw,  Mrs.  Catherine. 

1865.  Shaw,  Wesley  A. 
1858.     \  Shearman, "James  A. 
1858.    )  Shearman.  Mis.  Helen. 
1858.   Shearman,  M 

1858.     \  Shearman,  Thomos  G. 
i860.    1  Shearman,  Mrs.  Ella. 
1862.   Shepherd,  Mrs.  Mary  E. 
1S56.  Sherer,  Edward. 


Year 

dm  it  ted. 

852.  Sherer,  Mrs.  Susan  H. 

S66.  Sherwood,  Mrs.  Caroline  H. 

866.   Shenvojd,  William. 
>man.  Miss  Mary 
::ian,  Miss  Sarah. 

857.  )  Shook.  Henr 

557.  1   -  <  >Kvia  M. 

858.  Shook,  Hermon  Hinsdale. 
858.  Shook,  Revere  D. 

851.  Shultz,  Miss  Mary. 
S66.   Sickles,  George  E. 

852.  Silliman,  Mrs.  Elizabeth. 

848.  Silver,  James  Madison. 
857.   Sim,  James. 

857.  Simonite,  Mrs.  Susan. 
8^8.   Sizer,  Nelson. 

866.   Skaat,  Mrs.  Elizabeth. 

849.  Skidmore,  Mrs.  Emeline. 
863.  Skinner,  Miss  Frances  C 
S59.   Slaughter,  Mrs.  Clara  C. 

858.  Sleight,  Miss  Frances  C 
S59.   Small,  Miss  Margaret. 
866.  Smith,  Albert  H. 

S49.   Smith,  Alfred  W. 
866.    j  Smith,  Alonzo  B. 
866.    'i  Smith.  Mrs.  Sarah  E. 

558.  Smith,  Barlow  J. 
S5S.   Smith,  Miss  Deborah. 
852.     *  Smith,  Jonas  W. 
852.    )  Smith,  Mrs.  Clarinda. 
849.  Smith,  Mrs.  Eliza  Ann. 
861.  Smith,  Mrs.  Harriet  E. 
S64.   Smith.  Miss  Helen  E. 
S64.  Smith,  Miss  Joanna. 

.ith,  JohnC. 
mith,  Mrs.  Sarah  J. 

865.  Smith,  Joseph. 
S66.   Smith.  Miss  Louise. 
849.  Smith,  Mrs.  Lydia  M. 
849.   Smith,  Miss  Marv. 

866.  Smith,  Mrs.  Marv  B. 
S4S.  Smith,  Mrs.  Marv  D. 
S58.  Smith,  Miss  Rebecca  H. 

857.  Smith,  Mrs.  Sarah  A. 

858.  Smith,  Miss  Sarah  Jane. 
855.    J  Smith,  Sidney  H. 

)  Smith,  Mrs.  Josephine  H. 
Smith,  Miss  Sophia  G. 
Smith,  Miss  Susan. 
Smith,  T.  Worthington, 

S  Smith,  William  B. 

")  Smith,  Mrs.  Harriet  T.  H. 

>  Smith,  William  P. 
S        .!.  Mrs.  Marion  E. 

557.  Sniffen.  Miss  Catherine  M. 
S47.   South  wick,  Mrs,  Ellen  D. 

558.  Southv.ick,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  S. 
S58.   Sowden,  James  B. 

865.   Sparks.  Miss  Frances  W. 
S58.  Spencer,  Charles. 
852.     t  Spencer,  Geor--:  G. 
J49.     (Spencer,  Mrs.  Caroline. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


249 


Year 
Admitted. 

1849.  J  Spencer,  Uriah  H. 

1849.  I  Spencer,  Mrs.  Jane  M. 
1852.  Spencer,  Miss  Maria  L. 

1862.  Spencer,  Miss  Mary  W. 

1863.  Spencer,  William  II. 
1865  Sprague,  Miss  Annie. 
i860.  Sprague,  Mrs.  Margaret  M. 

1852.  Staats,  Samuel  A. 

1850.  Stanly,  Mrs.  Pamelia  M. 
1855.  Stanton,  Miss  Eliza  Jane. 

1853.  Starbuck,  Charles  C. 
1865.  Stebbins,  Mrs.  Ellen  E. 

1853.  Stebbins,  Mrs.  Sophia  W. 
1858.  Stevens,  Mrs.  Ann  C. 
1858.  J  Steele,  Michael  M. 

1858.  1  Steele,  Mrs.  Catharine  G. 

1854.  Stevens,  Mrs.  Harriet. 
1861.  Stevens,  T.  Jefferson. 
1861.  Stevenson.  Miss  Isabella. 

1859.  Stewart.  Mrs.  Isabella. 
1858.  j  St.  John,  Jesse. 

1857.  I  St.  John,  Mrs.  Susan  B. 
1865.  j  Stone,  Samuel  D. 

1865.  j  Stone,  Mrs.  Ellen  L. 

1858.  j  Storrs,  Augustus. 
1858.  ~\  Storrs,  Mrs.  Antoinette. 

1866.  Storrs,  Miss  M.  Antoinette. 
1858.  Storrs,  Miss  Harriet  Eitch. 

1861.  Storrs,  Miss  H.  \V. 
1847.  Story,  Mrs.  Adelia  Ann. 

1857.  Stover,  Wm.  S. 

1858.  Stowe,  Frederick  William. 
1858.  Stowe,  Mrs.  H.  Eeecher. 
1849.  Stringer,  Miss  Man,-. 

1862.  Strong,  Miss  Arabella. 
1862.  Strong,  Samuel  F. 
1849.  J  Studwell,  Alexander. 
1849.  "/  Studwell,  Mrs.  Lucretia. 
1858.  I  Studwell,  Dwight. 

1861.  )  Studwell,  Mrs.  Hannah  M. 

1858.  Studwell,  George  H. 

1852.  Studwell,  Mrs.  Susan  W. 

1858.  Styles,  Miss  Helen. 


Swain,  Augustus  C. 

Swany,  Arthur  A. 
858.    Swany,  Mrs.  Catherine  S. 

Sweezey,  Mrs.  Phoebe. 

Swenarton.  S.  Augustus. 

Sweetzer,  Horatio. 

Swim,  Mrs.  Martha  L.  F. 

J  Switzer,  John  Augustus. 

I  Switzer,  Mrs.  Mary  Ellen. 
i860.   Sylvester,  Miss  Almira  L. 
1865.   Symmes,  Miss  Addie  M. 


[866. 
t865. 


1866. 
1858. 
1858. 
1850. 


1858.  Talcott,  William  Stewart, 
1858.  Tall,  Frederick. 
1865.  Tallmadge,  Daniel  W. 
1858.  Talman,  Miss  Angelica. 

11* 


Tear 

dmitted. 

856. 
Sso. 
856. 
S49. 
848. 
G66. 
S59. 
S54. 
854. 
858. 
856. 
£62. 
S4S. 
848. 
858. 
853. 
858. 
858. 
B60. 
£66. 
866. 
£06. 
£65. 
£52. 
853. 


Tappan,  Mrs.  Anne. 

J  Tappan,  Lewis. 

j  Tappan,  Mrs.  Sarah  J. 
Tassie,  Miss  Magdalen. 
Taylor,  Miss  Emma. 
Taylor,  George  S. 
Taylor.  James. 

j  Taylor,  Samuel  G. 

/  Taylor,  Mrs.  Lucinda  G. 
Taylor,  Miss  Sarah  A. 
Tcale,  David  C 
Thalheimer,  Henry  B. 
Thalheimer,  Miss  Mary  E. 
Thalheimer,  Mrs.  Mary  L. 
Thatford,  Miss  Caroline. 
Thompson,  Miss  Emily. 
Thorne,  Mrs.  Mary  Anne. 
Thome,  Miss  Emma. 
Tilley,  Mrs.  Eliz.  A. 
Tilney,  Mrs.  Janet. 
Tilney,  Miss  Minnie. 
Tilney,  Robert. 
Tilney,  Thomas  J. 
Tilt,  Mrs.  Angeline  M. 

j  Tilton,  Theodore. 

I  Tilton,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  M. 
Titus.  Mrs.  Annie  L. 
Todd,  David  P. 
Todd,  Miss  Naomi  M. 

J  Todd,  S.  Edwards. 

1  Todd,  Mrs.  Rhoda  P. 
Todd,  Sereno  E.,  Jr. 
Toland,  Mrs.  Sarah  E.  B. 
Tompkins,  Mrs.  A.nn  Eliza. 
Tompkins,  Miss  Mary  S. 
Tomlinson,  Mrs.  Martha  M. 
Topp,  Mrs.  Eliza  C. 
Topping.  Miss  Mary  J. 
Trainor.  Miss  Mary  Jane. 
Trask,  Mrs.  Eliza. 
Trask,  Miss  Ellen. 
Treadway,  Frederick. 
Treadwell,  Mrs.  Sophronia. 
Tremper,  Mrs.  Maria. 
Tremper,  Miss  Mary  A. 
Tubbs,  Samuel  W. 
Tukesbury,  Erwin  M. 
Tupper,  Miss  Lydia. 
Tupper,  William  Vaughan. 
Turner,  Mrs.  Louisa. 
Turner,  Mrs.  Elizabeth. 
Turner,  Erdix  T. 

J  Tuthill,  E.  W. 

)  Tuthill,  Mrs.  Matilda. 
Tweedie,  Mrs.  Anabella  N. 

j  Twist,  Henn-. 

/  Twist,  Mrs.  Elizabeth. 
Tydeman,  Wm.  Edmund. 

\  Tyler,  Adrian  J. 

)  Tyler,  Mrs.  Mary. 
Tyler,  William. 
Tyson,  Mrs.  Catherine. 


2$Q 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


Year 

Admitted. 


1852.  Underhill,  Miss  Caroline. 

1852.  Underhill.  Miss  Sarah  J. 

1862.  Upham,  Mrs.  Louisa  S. 

1858.  Upham,  Victor  l)e  M. 

1858.  Upton,  Miss  Maria  M. 


1858.    j  Vail,  Charles  B. 
1858.     I  Vail,  Mrs.  Emdine  M. 
1858.  Vail,  Miss  Elizabeth  S. 

1864.  Vail,  George  A. 
1858.  \  Valentine,  Brewster. 
1858.  j  Valentine,  Mrs.  Ann  E. 
1858.  I  Valentine,  David. 

1858.  "j  Valentine,  Mrs.  Caroline. 

1850.  Valentine,  Mrs.  Mary  E. 
1858.  Valentine,  William. 
1858.  Vanderbilt,  Thomas. 
1855.  Van  Doren,  Mrs.  Susan  A. 

1865.  Van  Nostrand,  Miss  A. 

1861.  Veyrasset,  Miss  Louisa. 

1857.  Viele,  Mrs.  Charlotte. 

1862.  Vosburgh,  Miss  Helen  A. 

1858.  Vosburgh,  Mrs.  Jane  L. 

w 

1849.  Wade,  Mrs.  Clara  G. 

1858.  Walker,  Mrs.  Eliza. 

1849.  Walker,  Miss  Emily. 

1858.  Walker,  L.  Dwight. 

1865.  Walker,  Miss  Meggie. 

1858.  Wallace,  Miss  Elizabeth. 

1858.  Wallace,  Walker. 

1858.  Walling,  Mrs.  Mary  F. 

1865.  Walter,  Miss  Louise. 

1852.  Walton,  Mrs.  Barbara. 

1853.  Ward,  Miss  Esther. 
1858.  Ward,  Joseph  G. 

1851.  Ward,  Mrs.  Laura  M. 

1866.  W7ard,  Miss  Maria  B. 
1853.  Warnock,  Miss  Mary. 
1866.  Warring,  Mrs.  Aleda. 
T858.  Washbourne,  Charles. 

1852.  J  Waterman,  Thomas  S. 

1857.  j  Waterman,  Mrs.  Lydia. 
i860.  Watson,  Chauncey  R. 

1858.  _)  Watson,  Elias. 

1866.  I  Watson.  Mrs.  Sarah  M. 

1865.  Watson,  Mias  Ella. 

1858.  Watson,  Miss  Frances. 

1858.  Watson,  George  I">e  Leroy. 

1861.  Watson,  Mrs.  Mary. 
1852.  Watts,  Isaac. 

1847.  \  Webb,  John. 

1847.  j  Webb,  Mrs.  Martha. 

1862.  j  Week,  Philip. 

1862.  I  Week,  Mrs.  Frances. 

1861.  Weed,  Mrs.  Eliza  M.  G. 


Year 
Admitted. 

860.    j  Wceden,  Joseph  B. 
860.     I  Wecden,  Mrs.  Jane  B. 
866.  Weeks,  Eugene  J. 
8,7.  Weir,  Miss  Julia. 

864.  Weld,  Mrs.  Mary  A. 

865.  Weld,  Mason  C. 

S65.  Wclford,  Miss  Isabella. 
858.  Wells,  George  G. 

855.  Wells,  Henry  M. 
S67.  Wells,  Miss  Marie  E. 

857.  Welsh,  John. 
S65.  West,  Wm.  F. 
852.    J  Wcstcott,  John. 

852.    I  Wcstcott,  Mrs.  Anna. 

851.  Wheeler,  Mrs.  Ann  Eliza. 

858.  Wheeler,  Mrs.  Caroline. 
858.  Wheeler,  Mrs.  Emma  D. 
858.  Wheeler,  Miss  Lillie  L. 

866.  Wheeler,  Willis  L. 
849.     (  Wheelock,  Adam  D. 

848.  (  Wheelock,  Mrs.  Laura  A. 

865.  Wheelock,  Miss  Helen  G. 
862.  Wheelock.  Miss  Laura  F. 

866.  Whctts,  Mrs.  Sarah. 

849.  j  Whipple,  Rev.  George. 
849.     I  Whipple,  Mrs.  Alice. 

864.  White,  Mrs.  Catherine. 
S60.  White,  Miss  Fanny  M. 
858.  White,  Mrs.  Jane  Maria. 

865.  White,  Miss  Katy  S. 

857.  White,  Mrs.  Lucy  J. 

858.  t  White,  Mortimer  G. 
862.     (  White,  Mrs.  Emma  B. 

866.  j  White,  Stephen  V. 
866.     J  White,  Mrs.  Eliza  M. 

856.  j  White,  William  B. 
856.     )  White,  Mrs.  Ophelia. 

852.  Whiting,  Mrs.  Mary. 
851.    j  Whiting,  Mason. 
851.    "j  Whiting,  Mrs.  Eliza. 
858.  Whiting,  Wm.  Mason. 
856.  Whitman,  Albert. 

849.    j  Whitney,  Abijah. 

849.  /  Whitney,  Mrs.  Elk.  J. 
858.   Whitney,  Edward  J. 
858.    j  Whitney,  Henry  N. 

862.  j  Whitney,  Mrs.  Kate  S. 

863.  j  Whitney,  Jesse  J. 
863.     I  Whitney,  Mrs.  Sarah. 

850.  Whitton,  Miss  Margaret. 

850.  Whitton,  Mrs.  Sarah. 
858.  Wiegand,  Conrad. 
8ss-  Wierum,  Otto  C. 
848.    j  Wilbur,  Charles. 
848.    1  Wilbur,  Mrs.  Mary. 
866.  Wilcox,  Miss  Augusta. 

853.  Wilcox.  Mrs.  Sarah. 

851.  j  Wilde,  Robert  T. 
851.    1  Wilde,  Mrs.  Elvira  D. 
848.  Wilkes,  Mrs.  Helen. 
S50.   Wilkes,  Miss  Helen  M. 
S52.  Williams,  Miss  Abby. 
S64.  Williams,  Miss  Fanny. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


251 


Tear 
Admitted. 

1865.  Williams,  Miss  Isabel. 
1852.    \  Williams,  John. 

1852.  j  Williams,  Mrs.  Martha. 

1862.  Williams,  Miss  Lizzie  B. 
1857.  Williams,  Mrs.  Louisa. 

1865.  Williams,  Miss  Louise. 
i860.  Williams,  Mrs.  Sarah. 
i860.  Williams,  Miss  Sidney. 
1857.  Williams,  Timothy. 

1853.  Williamson,  John. 

1857.  Williamson,  5lrs.  Margaret  J. 
1848.  Willis,  Mrs.  Angenette  B. 

1863.  Willis,  Mrs.  Harriet. 
1859.  Wilmot,  Mrs.  Sarah  M. 

1852.  J  Wilson,  Elijah. 

1854.  I  Wilson,  Mrs.  Eliza  J. 
1848.  Wilson,  Mrs.  Elizabeth. 

1866.  Wilson,  Miss  Isabel  B. 

1858.  Wilson,  Joseph  R. 

1858.  Wilson,  Miss  Kate  Eleanor. 

1853.  Winser,  Henry  J. 
1853.  Winser,  Mrs.  L.  H. 

1864.  Winslow,  Mrs.  Eliza  A. 
1858.  Winter,  Mrs.  Catherine. 
1858.  Winter,  Miss  Caroline  B. 
1858.  Winter,  Henry  G. 
1866.  Wiswall,  Lewis. 


1850.  Wood,  Miss  Artelissa. 
1855.  Wood,  Mrs.  Gccrgiana. 

1851.  Wood,  Mrs.  Mary. 
1849.  Wood,  Miss  Mannda. 
1866.  Wood,  Mrs.  Sarah  R. 

1862.  Wood,  Thomas  E. 

1859.    3  Woodbridge,  Joseph  E. 
1859.     I  Woodbridge,  Mrs.  S.  E. 

1857.  Woods,  Mrs.  Sarah  Ann. 

1863.  \  Work,  Alanson. 

1858.  ")  Work,  Mrs.  Henrietta  L. 
1858.  Work,  Mrs.  Mary  Ann. 
1848.  Work,  Ward  A. 

1853.    j  Wright,  James. 
1853.     I  Wright,  Mrs.  Mary. 
1857.  Wyburn,  John. 


1862.  Yale,  Amerton. 
1862.  Yale,  Leroy  M. 
1862.  Yates,  Michael. 

1865.  Young,  Miss  Ruth. 

1866.  Young,  Selah. 


[851.  Zundel,  John. 


Alphabetical  List  of  former  Members  of  Ply- 
mouth Church,  who  have  Died  or  left  the 
Church  by  letter  or  otherwise,  prior  to 
January  6,   1867. 

FROM    "MANUAL    OF   PLYMOUTH    CHURCH    (1867)." 


|t+*  Names  of  persons  who  died  while  members  of  the  Church  are  printed  in 
italics  ;    and  names  of  husband  and  wife  are  united  by  a  brace. 


A 

LdmHted.  Names.                                                                                  %SSSlL 

1855      (  Abbott,  Austin 1858 

1855  I  Abbott,  Mrs.  Ellen  L.  G 1858 

1858  S  Abbott,  Lyman 1862 

1859  I  Abbott,  Mrs.  Abby  F.  H 1862 

1854      j  Abbott,  Benjamin  Vaughan 1864 

1854       (  Abbott,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  T 1864 

1858     Abbott,  Waldo 1S64 

1848      (Aber,  Smith  M 1S5S 

1848  \  Aber,  Mrs.  Hannah  M 1858 

1849  Adams,  Mrs.  Phoebe  Vanderhoff. 1856 

185 1     Anderson,  Mrs.  Mary 1856 

185 1      j  Andree,  Frederick 1863 

1 85 1  ]  Andree,  Mrs.  Caroline  M. i860 

1849      j  Arnold,  Samuel  G 1854 

1849      \  Arnold,  Mrs.  Sarah  G 1S54 

1856  Ashfield,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Smith 1S65 

1849     Ashley,  Mrs.  Amelia  Poinier 1S54 

1849      j  Askham,  John 1S54 

1849       {  Askham,  Mrs.  Harriet 1854 

1852  Atkinson,  James  F 1857 

1858     Atkinson,    William 1S62 

i860     Atwater,  Miss  Frances  II. 1866 

1849     Austin,  Miss  Sarah  Evelina 1861 

1848     Avery,  Charles  A 1866 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


253 


B 

Admitted.  Names.  Con.  dis. 

[858     Badger,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  C 1864 

[850     Baker,  Daniel 1858 

[852     Baker,  Origen  M 1857 

[848     Ball,  John 1850 

[858     Baright,  Mrs.  Sophia  W 1866 

[853      \  Barker,  Ezra  D 1857 

>48      I  Barker,  Mrs.  Maria  D 1857 

[851     Bamsdall,  John. 1863 

[857     Barnum,  Miss  Annie i860 

[855     Bamuni,  Miss  Sylvia 

[864     Barrow,  Miss  Kate 1S66 

[847     Batchekler,  Francis  E.  M 1854 

[856      {  Battclle,  Albert  T. 

[856      \  Battelle,  Mrs.  Mary  M 

[859     Beach,  Henry  D 1-86 1 

»59     Beach,  Miss  Maggie 1864 

[851     Beach,  Thomas 1853 

[848     Beechcr,  William  A 1S64 

[858     Belf our,  Miss  Sina 1865 

>48     Bement,  Caroline  P 

J51     Benedict,  Henry 1851 

[849      j  Benedict,  Lewis  S 1864  . 

[849       /  Benedict,  Mrs.  Harriet 1864 

155     Berry,  Miss  Sarah  B 1855 

[852     Bertrand,  Mrs.  Elizabeth 1S66 

[853     Bird,  Miss  Helen  Maria 1865 

[864     Bishopric,  Mrs.  Elizabeth I  £66 

[859     Bixby,  Joseph  R 1862 

[850     Blake,  Mrs.  Abby  L 1S59 

[848     Blake,  Mrs.  Mary  E 

[859     Blakesley,  Henry  A 1861 

[852     Bliss,  Mrs.  Abby  W 1S62 

[855      j  Bloss,  Charles  W 1856 

[855       {  Bloss,  Mrs.  Jane 1S56   * 

[853      j  Bloss,  Josiah 1854 

[853      \  Bloss,  Mrs.  Mary 1854 

[857     Bodzuell,  Miss  Susan  0 1S63 

[854     Bonta,  Miss  Elizabeth 1866 

:86i     Booth,  John 1863 

[847     Boiuen,  Airs.  Lucy  Maria 1S63 

[852     Boyd,  Robert  M 1S63 

[857     Brewster,  Lucius  G 186 ", 

[848     Briggs,  Mrs.  Mary  Payne 1S66 

[S52       \  Brockway,  Daniel  Vv 1854 

[S53      1  Brockway,  Mrs.  Emma  E 1S54 

[850     Brodhead,  Miss  Harriet  R 1S52 


254  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH, 

Admitted.  Names.  Con.  dis. 

1850  (  Brown,  Josiah  T 1853 

1S50       (  Brown,  Mrs.  Eliza  Ann 1S53 

1858  Brown,  Miss  Julia 1S63 

1848     Brown,  Miss  Maria 1849 

1S58     Brown,  Miss  Martha  E 1866 

1859  j  Brownell,  Franklin  C 1862 

1859      "j  Brownell,  Mrs.  Mary  B 1862 

1S62     Brushy  Mrs.  Alice  Bowers 1865 

1848  Bullard,   Jesse 1S51 

1857  Bunce,  Jonathan  B i860 

1847      j  Burbank,  Gardner 1848 

1847      \  Burbank,  Mrs.  Susan 1848 

1849  Burckett,  Mrs.  Sarah  Kellogg 1S53 

1858  Bur  dick,  Airs.  Octavia  C 1864 

1847  Burgess,  Daniel. 1S57 

1858     Burgess,  Miss  Lizzie  M 1S61 

185 1  Burke,  Miss  Jeannette 1853 

1850  Bumham,    George  IV. 1853 

1855  Burnham,  Mrs.  Mary  R i860 

1848  Burton,  Miss  Louisa 1854 

1853  Butler,  Miss  Sarah 1853 

c 

1852  Cahoojie,  Mrs.  Mary "...  1853 

1848  Cain,  Mrs.  Elsie  Maria,  exe'd 1850 

1849  Cam,  Miss  Jane 1S50 

1853  Cammett,  Miss  Louisa i860 

1S60     Camp,  Mrs.  Mary  E 1866 

1848      j  Camp,  Samuel  K 1S56 

1848      "j  Camp,  Mrs.  Mary  K. 1852 

1848     Campbell,  Archibald 

1851  Cannon,  Rev.  Josiah 1857 

1847  Cannon,  Mrs.  Mary 1855 

1850  Carman,  Miss  Harriet 1 85 1 

1850     Car?nan,  Mrs.  Jane 185 1 

1850     Carman,  John  B i8s6 

1852  Carman,  William 1856 

1856  Case,  J.  Hart 1863 

1852      j  Chandler,  Sylvester  S 1853 

1852       (  Chandler,  Mrs.  Catherine 1S53 

1854  j  Charlton,  John 1S57 

1854  "j  Charlton,  Mrs.  Martha 1S57 

1858     Chase,  Jonathan 1863 

1347     Child,  Miss  Eleanor 1S53 

1848  j  Child,  Joseph  H 1S62 

1848       \  Child,  Mrs.  Fidelia 1S50 

1847     Child,  Miss  Penelope 1864 


PL  YMO  UTH  CIIUR  CIL 


1852  Chown,  Miss  Mary  E 

1857      \  Christianson,  Christian  T 

1S57       \  Christianson,  Mrs.  Emmy  Laura. 

1S49  Church,  Mrs.  Lydia  Everingham.  .  . 

1S4S  Churchill,  Francis  E 

1S54  Clark,  Burton  E 

rt>49  Clark,  Miss  Anna  E 

1850  Clary,  Mrs.  Louisa 

1848  Clement,  Mrs.  Mary  E 

1852  Cluff,  Henry  G 

1862      j  Coe,  Israel 

1862      {  Coe,  Mrs.  Huldah 

1855  Coe,  Spencer  W 

1 86 1  Cogswell,  Mrs.  Annis 

1849  Colver,  Mrs.  Ann  E 

1 86 1  Colcord,  Andrew  D 

1857  Comins,  Miss  Ellen  M 

1858  Cook,  Miss  Lizzie  B 

1859  j  Corey,  William 

1859      \  Corey,  Mrs.  Phoebe  L 

1852  Corning,  Miss  Catherine  M 

1852  Corning,  D.  Austin 

1857  Corning,  Edward,  Jr 

1849      j  Coming,  Edward. 

1849  /  Coming,  Airs.  Catherine  M..  . . 

1848  Corning,  Jasper  E 

1848  Corning,  Rev.  J.  Leonard 

1854  Cornish,  George 

1850  Corwin,  Mrs.  Charlotte  A 

1858  Cottrell,  Henry 

1859  Couzens,  Mrs.  Susan 

1858  Crane,  Geo.  L 

1848  Cummings,  Wm.  R 

1852  Curtis,  W.  W 

1S62      j  Cashing,  George  W.  B 

1862  \  Cushing,  Mrs.  Sophia 

1862  Cushing,  Miss  Mary  E 

1849  j  Cutter,  William  T 

1849      ]  Cutter,  Mrs.  Frances  Maria 

1849  Cutter,  Miss  Margaret  Eliza 


255 


856 
S5T 
857 
850 

851 

866 
850 


866 
865 
865 
858 
864 
852 
862 
863 
S62 
S66 
866 
858 
S57 
858 
861 

S53 
S58 

854 
855 
858 
860 

865 

S58 

S54 
865 
865 
865 
S54 
854 
S52 


1853      (  Damai,  Cornelius 1854 

1853       I  Damai,  Mrs.  Sarah 1854 

1849     Danforth,  William 1849 

185 1     Danforth,  Miss  Frances  A 185 1 

185 1     Danforth,  Mrs.  Lydia 1862 


256 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


Admitted.  N.ii Si •-.  Con.  dis. 

1S5S     Dauchy,  S.  Theodore 1S64 

1849       j  Davenport,   William ^59 

1849      ( Davenport,  J  Irs.  Catherine  M 1862 

1848  Davis,  Isaac  F 1S66 

1S51      Davis,  Mrs.  Catherine 1866 

1852     Davis,  Charles  E 1S53 

184S      j  Davis,  John  D 18^3 

1S48       /  Davis,  Mrs.  Esther 1853 

1847  j  Day,  Sherman 1856 

1547  (  Day,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Ann 1856 

1849  Day,  Miss  Harriet  King   1856 

1851     Day,  Willard 1851 

1 85 1  Day,  Mrs.  Margaret 

1863     Dayton,  Miss  Clara 

1854  Dean,  Miss  Charlotte 1854 

1852  Dean,  Edward  II 1S53 

1855  Dehart,  Miss  Elizabeth  H 1858 

1848  Demott,  Richard  C 1852 

1854  Denny,  James  P 1858 

1849  Dikeman,  George  W 1854 

1857  Dixon,  Mrs.  Emily 1S61 

1548  (  Doty,  Samuel  C 1857 

1848      \  Doty,  Mrs.  Abby  Ann 1S57 

1858  Doughty,  Miss  Gertrude 1861 

1855  j  Douglas,  Charles 1865 

1855       (  Douglas,  Mrs.  Cornelia 1S65 

1855     Dow,  Charles  L 1859 

1 86 1  Downes,  Mrs.  Lilla  Rogers 1866 

1862  Drake,  Miss  Ella 1864 

1853  Duff,  Alexander 1855 

1S57     Duryea,  John  C 1861 

E 

1858     Earnest,  Miss  Mary 1865 

1847      j  Edwards,  William 1S48 

1847  \  Edwards,  Mrs.  Rebecca 1848 

1858     Evans,  Daniel  W 1863 

1853       \  Evans,  Sumner  F 1858 

1850  \  Evans,  Mrs.  Mary  E 1858 

1861     Everest,  Rev.  Charles  H 1865 

i860      j  Everitt,  Thomas  R 1865 

1S60      j  Everitt,  Mrs.  Elizabeth 1865 

F 

1848  Eairchild,  Miss  Fanny 

1849  Fairman,  Mrs.  A.  P 1851 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH, 


257 


Admitted.  Names.  Con.  dis. 

1853     Falkner,  Rev.  Bishop 1866 

1858     Falkner,  Mrs.  Elizabeth 1866 

1855     Falkner,  Miss  Annie  A '. , .  1866 

1853  Fanning,  David  G 1857 

1851  Fanning,  Mrs.  Lucy  H. 1853 

1854  j  Fanning,  Thomas  C,  Jr 1861 

1855  I  Fanning,  Mrs.  Cornelia  L 1863 

1858      j  Fay,  Edmund  B 1861 

1S58       I  Fay,  Mary  Jane 1861 

1849  j  Fisher,  Samuel 1855 

1549  1  Fisher,  Mrs.  Marianna  Ann 1<&$T 

1848     Fitch,  Mrs.  Caroline 1S63 

1857     Fitch,  Mrs.  Caroline 1S62 

1857  Fitch,  Miss  Frances 1862 

1852  Fletcher,  Mrs.  Margaret 1866 

1850  Fletcher,  Mrs.  Olive  J 1865 

1858  Fletcher,   Thomas  J 1866 

1S52     Fonda,  Hiram  J i860 

1861     Ford,  Miss  Cornelia  M 1864 

1858     Foster,  Miss  Mary 1863 

1858     Foster,  Mrs.  Mary  Jane 1866 

1550  Fowler,  Henry 1856 

1851  j  Fuller,  Joseph  C 1866 

1851       (  Fuller,  Mrs.  Emily  H 1866 

G 

1861     Gale,  Thomas 186 1 

1858      \  Gallaudet,  Peter  W 1861 

1858      1  Gallaudet,  Mrs.  Margaret  D 1861 

1S57     Gardes,  Henry 1858 

1858     Gaylor,  Miss  Caroline  E 1866 

1858     Gaylor,  Miss  Lucy  C 1866 

1857  Gaylord,  Elijah  M 1866 

1851     Gilbert,  Edward 1856 

1851  Gilbert,  John 1855 

1852  Gilbert,  Mrs.  Sarah  B 1S56 

1858  Gilkison,  Mrs.  Frances  R 1861 

1855     Gill,  William 1857 

1852  Glover,  William  II 1858 

1848     Goodrich,  Miss  Christine 1855 

1848      j  Goodrich,  Josiah  B 1855 

1848      \  Goodrich,  Mrs.  Mary  B 1855 

1848     Goodrich,  Miss  Mahala 1855 

1850      j  Graff,  Henry 1866 

1850      \  Graff,  Mrs.  Sarah 1S66 

1853  Grant,  Mrs.  Mary 1856 

1857     Green,  Miss  Annie  R 1866 


258 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


1848 

1S4S 
184S 
1S4S 
1S47 

i853 
1S56 
1S50 


Names.  Con.  dis. 

Green,  John i860 

\  Green,  Warren  1S62 

\  Green,  Mrs.  Lydia  Ann 1SG6 

Green,  J.  Wilson 1S65 

Green,  Mrs.  Catherine  A 1849 

Griffin,  David 1850 

Griswold,  Mrs.  Esther  H 1854 

Griswoldy  Mrs.  Henrietta  Virginia   1S61 

Gustin,  Mrs.  Susan 1S54 


H 


S64 
849 
847 
S49 

S5S 

857 
852 
s5i 
858 
85s 

847 
S58 
84S 
S50 
853 
855 
S49 
s5i 
s5i 
S49 

859 

S5S 

859 
S49 
850 
849 

S5S 
S50 
S50 
857 
$57 
S4S 

S5S 
852 
S57 


Haff,  Mrs.  Phoebe  Jane 

Hale,  Miss  Caroline  Charlotte 

Hale,  Mrs.  Julia 

Hale,   Thomas 

Hale,  Mrs.  Sarah  E 

Hall,  John  C,  exe'd 

Hall,  "Mrs.  Julia  A 

Hall,  Mrs.  Martha  II 

Hall,  Miss  Mary  R 

Hand,  Chauncey  M 

Harrison,  Edward 

Harrison,  Mrs.  E.  C 

Harrison,  Joseph 

Harned,  Miss  Adelissa 

Hart,  Tacob 

Haskell,  Robert  B 

Haskell,  Miss  Mary  Elizabeth 

\  Hathaway,  Thomas 

}  Hathaway,  Mrs.  Esther  Angeline. 

Hawley,  Miss  Phoebe 

Hayes,  Miss  Catherine 

Hay nes,  Mrs.  Mary 

Hazelton,  Mrs.  Clarinda 

Herbert,  Mrs.  Abigail 

Hinman,  R.  Hopkins 

Hodges,  Laura  M 

Holcomb,  Wilson  C 

\  Holdridge,  Daniel  M 

\  Holdridge,  Mrs.  Frances  S 

Hornblowcr,  Edward  Thouias.  . . . 

Hornblower,  Mrs.  Martha 

Horsey,  Joseph 

Horsey,  Miss  Sophia 

Howard,  Miss  Annie  S. 

Howard.  Mrs.  Elizabeth  J. 

Howard,  Joseph,  Jr 


S65 
S63 
S59 

854 

S64 
S64 
854 
S54 
865 

S59 

847 
861 

856 

855 
S65 

851 
856 
S56 

853 
863 
863 
S62 
S62 
S62 
S50 
S5S 
852 
852 
S66 
S66 
S61 
852 
S60 
S61 
S5S 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  259- 

Admitted.  Names.  Con.  dis. 

1857     Hoiues,  Mrs.  Elizabeth 1859 

1S61       (  Hubbard,  Jerome  B 1S65 

1S61      \  Hubbard,  Mrs.  Julia 1865 

1847      j  Hull,  A.  B 1853 

1847      \  Hull,  Mrs.  Sarah 1853 

1850     Humphrey,  Mrs.  Mary 1853 

1856  Husted,  Mrs.  Ellen  F.  C 1S66 

I 

1857  Ilsley,  C.  S i860 

1854  Irvine,  Charles  J 1857 

1856     Isaacs,  Augustus  Thomas 1858 

J 

1852       (  Jacobs,  George 

1852      \  Jacobs,  Mrs.  Anna  F. i860 

1856  James,  Miss  Ann 1857 

1857  James,  David 1857 

1856     James,  John 1857 

1856  James,  William  H 1S57 

1849  Jaques,  John  C 1850 

1855  Jaques,  Mrs.  Zipporah 1S60 

1852      j  Jeffrey,  Charles 1S53 

1852      \  Jeffrey,   Mrs.  Phoebe 1853 

1857  Jennings,  Mrs.  Elizabeth 1 861 

1856  Jewell,  Theodore  E . .  1865 

1852     Jocelyn,  Miss  Mary  A 1855 

1859      j  Johnson,  Henry  Joseph 1 862 

1859      \  Johnson,  Mrs.  Jane  Coy 1862 

1858  Johnson,  Mrs.  Mary  Ann 

1850  Jones,  Miss  Catherine  L 185 1 

1850      j  Jones,  Darius  E 1S51 

1850      \  Jones,  Mrs.  Dorcas  M 1851 

1550  Jones,  Ebenezer 1857 

1551  Jones,  Miss  Harriet 

1852    Jones,  Miss  Kezia 1S65 

1849     Jones,  Mrs.  Mary  E 1S51 

1855     Jones,  Samuel  T 1S63 

1858     "j  Judson,  Charles  G 1862 

1S53       (  Judson,  Mrs.  Fanny 1862 

K 

1855      j  Karr,  Daniel 1856 

1855      "j  Karr,  Mrs.   Mary 1S56 

1855     Karr,  Mrs.  Mary  Frances 1856 


260  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

Admitted.  Names.  Cod.  dir. 

1858     Kempshall,  Miss  Amelia i860 

1852     Kennon,  Mrs.  Maria  V 1854 

1847  King,  Mrs.  Ann 1855 

1848  King,  Mrs.  Minerva  R 1854 

1848  King,  Hesden 

1862       j  Kingon,  James 1866 

1858      \  Kingon,  Mrs.  Jennie  A 1S66 

1862     Kingon,  Miss  Margaret 1866 

1862     Kingon,  Miss  Matilda 1866 

185 1  Kirby,  S.  H i860 

1849  (  Kitchen,  John  E.  F 1863 

1849      "I  Kitchen,  Mrs.  Sarah  B 1863 

1848     Knapp,   Bradford 1S51 

1854  Knapp,  Miss  Caroline  A 1865 

1852  Knapp,  Mrs.  Harriet  M 1864 

1 85 1  Knapp,  Iverson  Wilson 1865 

1848  Knapp,  Mrs.  Susan 185 1 

1858     Knight,  Philip i860 

1852  Knight^  Mrs.  Rachel. 

1858     Knight,  Miss  Susan i860 

1852     Knox,  Israel  W 1855 

L 

1849  (  Ladd,  Joseph  H 1857 

1S48      j  Ladd,  Mrs.  Mary 1857 

1855  Lane,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  S 1863 

1851  Langdon,  Elam  Chester 1S55 

1848  Latimer,  Miss  Sarah 1850 

1849  j  Law,  Henry  Ward 1857 

1855       (  Law,  Mrs.  Adeline  P 1857 

1858      j  Lefhngwell,  John  E 1863 

1858      I  Lefhngwell,  Mrs.  Emetine  O 1863 

1858     Lewis,  Reuben  S 1858 

1849  Libby,  Mrs.  Ann  Elizabeth 1862 

1850  Lincoln,  Theodore  M 1852 

i860      j  Little,  James  L 1863 

i860      (  Little,  Mrs.  Elsie  A 1863 

1852  Little,  Miss  Margaret 1S52 

1866     Locke,  Miss  Frances 1 866 

1864     Lockwood,  Miss  Henrietta 1S66 

1858     Lord,  William  H. 1865 

1858     Lovell,  Frank  II 1S65 

M 

856      j  Maconnell,  James 1864^ 


j  Mc 

I  Ma 


1856      (  Maconnell,  Mrs.  Jeannette 1S62 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  26l 

Admitted.  Names.  Con.  dis. 

1859     Mallory,  Miss  Betsey  S 1866 

1855     Mansfield,  William 1865 

1848     March,  Miss  Catharine  0 1849 

1857      j  Marshall,  George 1861 

1857  \  Marshall,  Mrs.  Hannah 1866 

1858  Mason,  Norman  M 1862 

1858     May,  Mrs.  Meletta  S 

1857  Mayhew,  Mrs.  Calista  S 1866 

1852  McCandless,  Miss  Eliza 

1858  McCartee,  Mrs.  Anna  Daniels 1866 

1857  McChesney,  Joseph  M 1865 

1858  McChesney,  William  W i860 

1858  McCleve,  Mrs.  Elizabeth 1859 

1848     McElwa,  Miss  Ann,  exc'd. 1853 

1859  McGee,  Miss  Elizabeth 1866 

1859     McGee,  Samuel i860 

1850     McGrath,  Mrs.  Electra 1853 

1853  McLeod,  Peter 1863 

1848      j  Meknn,  Austin 1863 

1848       {Melt 'in,  Mrs.  Martha i860 

1852     Mcrzuin,  Miss  Sophia  T 

1852  Merriam,  Mrs.  Mary  E 1857 

1864      j  Miller,  William  D 1866 

1S64      \  Miller,  Mrs.  Rebecca 1866 

1850     Milligan,  James "...  i860 

1859     Millings,  Mrs.  Ann 1866 

1850     Mitchell,  Mrs.  Caroline  Laura ^S3 

1853  j  Mitchell,  Warren 1857 

1853      "j  Mitchell,  Mrs.  Eliza 1857 

1853      j  Mixter,  Madison 1866 

1852      "j  Mixter,  Mrs.  Susan  0 1862 

1848     Moers,  Mrs.  Rebecca 1858 

1858     Montgomery,  James,  Jr 1863 

1848      j  Moore,  William  H.,  exc'd 1852 

1848      I  Moore,  Mrs.  Jane  A 1865 

1855     Morgan,  Mrs.  Roxana 1858 

1848     Morrill,  Mrs.  Cynthia  L 1861 

1852     Morrill,  Mrs.  Susannah 1853 

1850  Morris,  John 1851 

1852      j  Morrow,  Cornelius  W.  L 1855 

1852       /  Morrow,  Mrs.  Jane  Eliza 1855 

1S47     Morse,  Mrs.  Rebecca 1849 

i860      \Munson,  D.  D 1863 

i860      \  Munson,  Mrs.  Mary  Jane 1S64 

1851  j  Murray,  Robert 1852 

1851       I  Murray,  Mrs.  Mary 1852 


262 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


Admitted. 

1858 
1847 
1853 

1857 
1859 

1849 
1S58 
1851 


1855 
1857 
1849 
184S 


IS53 

IS54 
185I 
I8.5I 

lS49 

1858 

1854 
1S54 
i860 
1849 
1849 
1847 
1847 
1848 

1853 
IS53 
1858 
1848 
1851 
1353 
1847 
1S54 
1863 

1849 
1855 
1849 
1S50 
1858 
1858 


N 

Names.  Con.  did. 

Neild,  Edwin i860 

Newlin,  Miss  Maria  Louisa 

Nichols,  Mrs.  Caroline  B 1859 

Nichols,  Mrs.  Julia 1859 

Niebuhr,  Charles  C 1861 

Niles,  Henry  T 1851 

Norman,  George  A.  J 1863 

Noyes,  Charles  H 1858 

o 

Oakley,  Miss  Isabella 1858 

O'Brien,  Mrs.  Mary  P 1863 

Osborn,  David  D 1856 

Otis,  Mrs.  Agues  , 

P 

Pa^e,  William  H 1861 

Page,  William  L 1859 

\  Paine,  Royal 1S52 

j  Paine,  Mrs.  Elizabeth 1852 

Palmer,  Francis 1859 

Palmer,  Miss  Mary 1S61 

[  Parker,   S.  J 1854 

I  Parker,  Mrs.  R.  L 1854 

Parmalee,  William 1S64 

Parton,  John 1856 

Parton,  Mrs.  Mary 1856 

j  Payne,  Jira 1849 

\  Payne,  Mrs:  Eliza 1850 

Pease,  Mrs.  Catherine  Elizabeth 1863 

Pease,  Rev.  L.  M 1863 

Pendrill,  Mrs.  Judith  E 1865 

Perkins,  Mrs.  Alice  T 1858 

Pettit,  Miss  Gertrude 185 1 

Phelps,  Miss  Corinthia 1854 

Phillips,  Mrs.  Mary  A i860 

Phillips,  Phoebe  C 1855 

Pierce,  Mrs.  E.  A 1858 

Pierson,  Cyrus  M 1866 

Pillsbury,  Nehemiah  0 1864 

Pillsbury,  Mrs.  Mary  K 1864 

Pillsbury,  Mrs.  Frances  II. 1853 

Pinney,  E.   S 1S51 

Pitkin,  George  D i860 

Pitkin,  Mrs.  Magdalen 1S60 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  263 

Admitted.  Names.                                                                                       Con.  dis. 

1851  Pittie,  Nathaniel 1861 

1857  Plant,  Miss  Albertina  M. 1864 

1852  j  Plant,  Deforest  E i860 

1858  "j  Plant,  Mrs.  Harriet i860 

1S48     Plant,  Mrs.  Harriet  Jeannette 1866 

1858     Pond,  Mrs.  Mary  C 1S61 

1858     Pond,  B.  Foster 1862 

i860     Port,  William  R 1862 

185 1     Porter,  Lewis 1853 

1855  Potter,  Francis  M. 1865 

1858     Powell,  Thomas 1863 

1861       j  Powers,  Charles 1865 

1 86 1      \  Powers,  Mrs.  Mary  Isabella 1865 

1849     Pray,  John  W 1S54 

1858     Pratt,  Miss  Harriet 1866 

1857  Prince,  Miss  Mary  E 1857 

1849     Pritchard,  Mrs.  Jane  Anna 1866 

1S48      j  Pritchard,   William  H. 1 86 1 

1848       (  Pritchard,  Mrs.  Mary  Elizabeth 1852 

1851  Ptirdy,  Miss  Ruth  E 

1S55     Purdy,  Mrs.  Harriet  A 1862 

R 

1848     Rathbone,  Mrs.  Emily  Edick 1863 

1848  Rathbone,  Miss  Maria 

1852  Raymond,  Mrs.  Harriet  L 1858 

1849  Raymond,  Henry  Martin 1858 

1848      j  Raymond,  John 1852 

1848  \  Raymond,  Mrs.  Jeannette 1852 

1849  Raymond,  Samuel  H 1858 

1858  Reed,  Mrs.  Fanny  B 1865 

1850  Reed,  Mrs.  Nancy  P 1859 

1858     Reid,  Miss  Annie 1865 

1853  Reid,  Mrs.  Mary 

1853     Rice,  Albert 1854 

1856  Rich,  Mrs.  Pamelia  B 1859 

1855  Ringwood,  Miss  Julia 1863 

1858     Ripton,  Thomas 1S64 

1856  Robinson,  Mrs.  Abigail  R 1S58 

1858     Robinson,  Daniel  C 1S60 

1855     Rogers,  William  L 1862 

1853     Rogers,  Miss  Caroline 1861 

1855     Rogers,  William 

1855     Rogers,  Miss  Mary 

1850     Root,  James  P 1861 

1858      j  Ropes,  Henry 1865 

1850      (  Ropes,  Mrs.  Harriet  H 1S65 


264 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


Admitt  j4. 

1847 

1S60 

1847 

1847 
1847 
1S47 
l86l 
l86l 
1865 


i860 
1848 
1848 
1858 
1858 
1850 
1 849 
1849 
1848 
1S57 
1858 
1854 
I853 
1S58 
1S52 
1848 

1853 
lS6l 
1 86l 

1848 
1848 
I85I 
1851 
1849 
1849 
1849 
1853 
IS53 
1847 
1847 
1858 

1854 
1849 
1855 
1849 
1858 


Name*.  Con.  rtis. 

Rorke,  Mrs.  Charlotte  A 1S5 1 

Rose,  William  II 1864 

j  Rowland,  Charles,  exc'd 1852 

/  Rowland^  Mrs.  Maria 1 849 

Rowland,  Miss  Elizabeth 

Rowland,  Henry 

Rugg,  G.  S 1864 

Rugg,  Mrs.  Lavinia  E 1864 

Russell,  Rev.  Frank 1S66 

s 

Salmon,  Mrs.  Catherine 1865 

j  Sandford,  Thomas  H 1863 

\  Sandford,  Mrs.  Caroline  M.  B 1 85 3 

Sanford,  Mrs.  Ellenor  H 1863 

Sanford,  Miss  Lucretia  B 1863 

\  Saxton,  John 1854 

"I  Saxton,  Mrs.  Mary 1S54 

Sawyer,  William  B 185 1 

Scofield,  Miss  Mary 1 850 

Scott,  Miss  Elizabeth 1861 

j  Scovill,  John  F 1865 

{  Scovill,  Mrs.  Elizabeth 1865 

Scoville,  Mrs.   Harriet  E.  Beecher 1861 

Seagrave,  Josiah 1861 

Secor,  David  H 1853 

Sedgwick,  Chedale v  .  1865 

Severance,  Miss  Mary  L i860 

j  Seymour,  Edward  C 1S65 

\  Seymour,  Mrs.  Laura  A 1865 

Seymour,  James 1855 

Simons,  Mrs.  Lydia  Ann 1S54 

Simmons,  Mrs.  Amelia 1855 

Small,  Miss  Catherine. . i860 

Small,  Miss  Maria 185 1 

j  Smith,  Alfred 1854 

(  Smith,  Mrs.  Ann  Elizabeth 1854 

(  Smith,  Job  H 1866 

(  Smith,  Mrs.  Clarissa  A 1866 

j  Smith,  Cornelius 1S60 

(  Smith,  Mrs.  Emeline i860 

Smith,  Emma  R 1S60 

Smith,  George  F 1865 

Smith,  Mrs.  Hannah 1S56 

Smith,  Mrs.  Hannah  R 1865 

Smith,  Mrs.  Jane  L 1857 

Smith,  Mrs.  Sarah  R 1S61 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  26$ 

Admitted.  Names.  Con.  dis. 

1851  Smith,  Mrs.  Mary  S 1862 

1858     Sowden,  Mrs.  Eliza 1859  ' 

1848     Spencer,  William,  Jr 1857 

1861  Sprague,  Miss  Marianna 1866 

1852  j  Staats,  Abraham  L 1862 

1852      \  Staats,  Mrs.  Jane  E 1862 

185 1     Stanton,  Mrs.  Julia  A 

1851  Stanton,  Mrs.  Olivia  W 1863 

1852  Steen,  Miss  Eliza 1854 

1856     St.  John,  Mrs.  Mary 1859 

1858  St.  John,  Minor 1858 

1848     Stockton,  Mrs.  Mary 1851 

1848     Stout,  Mrs.  Abigail  J 

1850      j  Stow,  Joseph  W 1853 

1850      \  Stow,  Mrs.  Mary  B 1853 

1852     Stone,  Miss  Adelia  B 1854 

1852     Street,  Edwin  A 1858 

1866     Stryker,  John  L 1866 

1859  Stuchbnry,  Miss  Sarah 1 865 

1856     Studley,  Mrs.  Helena  P 1864 

1852  Sullivan,  Miss  Eliza  M 1852 

1853  Swan,  Miss  Lucetta  A 1854 

1858     Swaney,  Arthur  A 1863 

1852     Swazey,  Henry  B ^54 

T 

• 

1856     Tappan,  Miss  Susan  Anne 

1847     Taylor,  Miss  Amelia 

1847  Taylor,  Mrs.   Elizabeth 

1848  Taylor,  Miss  Henrietta 1849 

1856  Taylor,  Horace  S 1862 

1852      j  Ten  Eyck,  Conrad  A 1864 

1852      "j  Ten  Eyck,  Mrs.  Catharine 1864 

1862  Ten  Eyck,  Miss  Kate 1864 

1850     Tenney,  Levi,  Jr 185 1 

1852  Thalheimer,  Miss  Helen 1852 

1858      j  That  ford,  Joseph 1859 

1858      \  Thatford,  Mrs.  Harriet 1865 

1857  Thomas,  Miss  Mary  F 1858 

1853  Thomas,  Miss  Sarah  Ann 1856 

1854  Thompson,  E.  K 1859 

1852      j  Thompson,  George 1858 

1852      \  Thompson,  Mrs.  Margaret 1858 

1856      j  Tingley,  George  H 1858 

1856       \  Tingley,  Mrs.  Anna 1858 

1856      Titcomb,  Charles 1S65 

1854     Trask,  Hervey 185G 


266  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

Admitted.  Names.  Con,  dis. 

1854  Trask,  Payson 1856 

1861  Trevor,  John. 1S62 

1 849  Try 011,  Miss  Margaret  Elizabeth 

1S52  Tucker,  Miss  Jemima J853 

1854  Tufts,  Mrs.  B.  A 1856 

1856  Turner,  Coll  J - 1859 

1847  j  Turner,  Samuel  II 185 1 

1848  \  Turner,  Mrs.  Joanna  A 185 1 

1858  Tusck,   William 1861 

i860  Tyler,  Henry  D 1865 


V 

1862     Van  Epps,  Miss  Ella  A 1865 

1862      j  Van  Epps,  J.  C 1866 

1862  I  Van  Epps,  Mrs.  Maria  K.  P 1S66 

1849  Vanderhoff,  Miss  Catherine  H 1854 

1850  Vanderhoff,  Mrs.  Louisa 1854 

1S49      Van  Pelt,  Henry 1850 

1855     Van  Vechten,  Mrs.  Jane  A 1859 

1859     Voigt,  Mrs.  Antoinette 1866 

1863  Vosburgh,  Mrs.  Ann 1866 

w 

1849  Wade,  T.  Anderson , 

1850  j  Waldron,  Henry 1854 

1850  \  Waldron,  Mrs.  Mary  Fisher 1854 

1852     Waldron,  Miss  Mary  E 1854 

1855     Walker,  Avery  S 1865 

1849     Walker,  Miss  Martha 1S55 

1849     Walker,  Miss  Mary 1S53 

1848     Walker,  Phineas 1858 

1851  Wallace,  William  H 1865 

1848      j  Warren,  John  D 1S54 

1848      \  Warren,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  F 1854 

1858     Warren,  Theodore 1865 

1863     Warren,  Miss  Virginia 1866 

1858      Watson,  Mrs.  Caroline 1S59 

1851  j  Watson,  Horace  C 1S60 

1S51       \  Watson,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  -A 1S60' 

1852  Watson,  Miss  Sarah  A 1S60 

1858     Wattles,  Mrs.  Helen  B 1859 

1858     Weaver,  Mrs.  Sarah 1S66 

1848      \  Webb,  Philip  D 

1848      \  Webb,  Mrs.  Sarah  L 

1858     Westcott,  Miss  Sarah 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  267 

Admitted.  Xames.  Con.  dis. 

1850      j  Wetherbee,  Aril 1852 

1850      \  Wetherbee,  Mrs.  Elizabeth 1852 

1858      Wheeler,  Mrs.  Martha  Jane 1 864 

1856     Whitlock,  Miss  Charlotte  S 1858 

1849      j  Whitlock,  Ephraim  J 1857 

1849  /  Whitlock,  Mrs.  Georgiana 1857 

1856     Whitlock,  William  H. 1857 

1850  j  White,  William 

1851  \  White,  Mrs.  Mary 

1850     Whitmore,  Miss  Catherine 1854 

1855  {  Whittlesey,  Charles 1858 

1856  }  Whittlesey,  Mrs.  Helen  M 1858 

1854  Widgeon,  Miss  Almeda '. 1856 

1848     Wight,  George  W 1853 

1S50     Wightman,  Mrs.  Isabella 1857 

185  3      Wilcox,  E.  H. 1864 

1853     Williams,  Miss  Sarah  C 1S56 

1852  j  Wilson,  John  B 1856 

1852       \  Wilson,  Mrs.  Sarah  G 1856 

1850      Wilson,  Mrs.  Harriet 

1850      Wilson,  Miss  Harriet  E 

1848  Wilson,  Mrs.  Helen 1854 

1858     Wood,  Abiel,  Jr i860 

1849  Wood,  Miss  Hannah  H 1850 

1858     Woodbridge,  Charles  L 1863 

1858      Woodbridge,  Joseph 1863 

1849     Woodhull,  Miss  Eleanor  T 1851 

1849      (  Woodhull,  Smith 1854 

1849      "j  Woodhull,  Mrs.  Marietta 1854 

1855  Woodruff,  Mrs.  Lavinia  Peyster 1866 

1852       (  Wooley,  John  C 1856 

1852       /  Wooley,  Mrs.  Susan 1856 

i860     Wright,  Miss  Julia  A 1862 

1857  Wyburn,  Mrs.  Sarah 


[Note.— The  names  of  Mrs.  Henrietta  Griswold,  Miss  Harriet  Jones,  Miss  C. 
M.  Ford,  and  Mrs.  L.  B.  Munroe  (dismissed  as  Miss  Cook)  were  erroneously 
included  in  the  other  list.  They  are  properly  entered  here  ;  and  are  not  included 
in  the  aggregate  number  of  members  stated  on  page  64.] 


Alphabetical  List  of  Members  of  Plymouth 
Church,  admitted  January,  1867,  to  January, 
1873. 

COPIED    FROM   THE    CHURCH    RECORDS,    BY   PERMISSION 
OF    REV.  S.  B.  HALLIDAY. 

***  Names  of  deceased  in  italics. 

A 


Admitted.  Names- 


Connection 

dissolved. 


1872  Abbott,  Arthur  V 

1872  Abbott,  Benjamin  V 

1872  Abbott,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  T 

1869  Abbott,  Miss  Emma  A 

1870  Abbott,  Joshua  K 

1870  Abbott,  Mrs.  Lucretia  W 

1 870  Abbott,  J.  Harris 

1869  Adams,  Geo.  H 

1869  Adams,  Mrs.  Louisa 

1868  Adderly,  John  H 

1870  Adleman,  Mrs.  Jane 

1868  Aiken,  James  R 1872 

1867  Allen,  Miss  Lizzie 

1872  Allen,  Mrs.  Priscilla  W 

1868  Allen,  Mrs.   Susan 

1868  Alvin,  Miss  Mary  A 1869 

1872  Ames,  Miss  Nellie 

1870  Anderson,  Charles  W 

1870  Anderson,  Mrs.  Annie 

1870  Anderson,  Mrs.  Clara 

1869  Anderson,  John  R 

1870  Anderson,  Miss  Lizzie   1870 

1867  Apperly,  Mrs.  Sophia 

1871  Arbuckle,  John ' 

187 1  Arbuckle,  Mrs.  M.  A 

1869  Armstrong,  Miss  Jessie 

1869  Armstrong,  Robert  B 

1867  Arnold,  Miss  Julia 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  26g 


Admitted.  Names. 

1S72  Avery,  Augustus  P. . 
1867  Averill,  Mrs.  Janet  . , 
1867     Averill,  Miss  Mary  J. 


B 


1872  Badeker,  Andrew 

1872  Badeker,  Mrs.  Mary  J 

1869  Bagot,  Miss  Augusta 

1870  Baker,  Mrs.  Mary  C.  (now  Mrs.  Morrison) 

187 1  Baker,  Thomas  E 

1871  Baker,  Mrs.  Laura 

1869  Ballard,  Miss  Lucy  M.  (now  Mrs.  Foot) 1871 

1867  Banfield,  Mrs.  Anna  F 1870 

1870  Banning,  Miss  Nellie  A 

1870  Bardwell,  Willis  A 

1870  Bardwell,  Mrs.   Sylvia 

1869  Barker,  Mrs.  Elizabeth 

1869  Barnes,  Miss  Emma 

1870  Barnes,  Joseph  A 1871 

1872  Barnes,  Mrs.  Sarah  G 

1871  Barnum,  Miss  Mary  E 

1870  Barre,  Mrs.  Maria  A 

1870  Barney,  Mrs.  Mary  M 

1870  Barrows,  Edwin 1872 

1869  Barrows,  John  H 

1869  Barrows,  Walter  M 1870 

1868  Bartlett,  Miss  Jane  A 

1868  Barworth,  Miss  Elizabeth  A 

1868  Bates,  Jerome  E 

1870  Bates,  Mrs.  Mary  G 

1870  Bates,  Miss  Redelia 

1870  Beach,  Mrs.  Julia  M 

1867  Beach,  Thomas 

1872  Beal,  Miss  Sarah  (now  Mrs.  Green) 

1869  Beames,  Miss  Lily  (now  Mrs.  Donnelly) 

187 1  Beardsley,  Miss  Miranda 

1870  Beattys,  Mrs.  Sarah  A 

1872  Bee,  Miss  Janet 

1872  Bee,  Miss  Marion 

1872  Beecher,  Miss  Alice  C 

1872  Beecher,  Edward 

1872  Beecher,  Mrs.  Isabella  P 

1872  Beecher,  George 

1872  Beecher,  Eugene  F 

1872  Beecher,  Mrs.  Susie 

1870  Beecher,  Herbert  F 


270  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

Admitted.  Names.                                                                                     Con.  d!«. 

1870  Beers,  Walter 

187 1  Behrem,  Henry 1872 

1871  Behrem,  Mrs.  Sophia 

1869  Belcher,  Miss  Kate 

1868     Belcher,  Lewis 

1872  Bell,  Arthur 

1870  Benedict,  George  H 

1870  Benedict,  Mrs.  Maria  A 

186S     Benedict,  Mrs.  Grace 

1871  Benedict,  Miss  Helen  M 

1871     Bennett,  William 

1871  Bennett,  Mrs.  Eliza 

1867  Beresford,  Miss  Priscilla 

1868  Bergginst,  Miss  Eveline 

1872  Bergen,  Mrs.  Clarissa 

186S     Betts,  Frank  M 

1870     Bicknell,  Miss  Minnie  A 

1869  Beiisner,  Miss  Harmenia 

1870  Bigham,  Miss  Ida  E 

1870     Bird,  Miss  Grace 

1868     Blackmer,  George  A 

1872     Blair,  Benjamin  F 

1872     Blair,  Mrs.  Mary  L 

1870  Blaisding,  Miss  Maria  H 

1867  Blanchard,  Miss  Clara  L.  (now  Mrs.  Wadsworth) 

1871  Blauvelt,  Garrett  M 

1870     Blood,  Miss  Matilda  M 

1872  Bonnar,  Miss  Katrina 

1S72     Bosche,  Miss  Harriet 

1870     Bosman,  Henry 

1870  Bosman,  Mrs.  Charlotte 

1872     Bosman,  Henry  J 

1868  Bosworth,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  A 

1868  Bowen,  Miss  C.  Electra 

1869  Bowen,  Clarence  W 

1869     Bowie,  George 

1872     Bowlsby,  Miss  Jennie 

1869     Boyer,  George  W.  G 

1871  Brink,  Miss  Phila  A 

1869  Boyer,  Mrs.  Louise  M 1872 

1871  Brenner,  Walter  H 

1872  Bride,  Mrs.  M.  A 

1870  Briesen,  A.  V 

1870     Broadbent,  M:t>.  Elizabeth 

1870     Broadhead,  Mrs.  Kate  J 

1870     Broadbent,  Charles  W 

1872     Bromhead,  George 

1872     Bromhead,  Mrs.  Elizabe;h  A 


- 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  27 1 

Ldmitted.  Names.  Con.  dis. 

1871  Bromfield,  Rev.  E.  T 1872 

1S7 1  Bromfield,  Mrs.  Georgiana 1872 

1867  Brooks,  Mrs.  Ruby  L 

1871  Brower,  John  II 

1571  Brower,  Mrs.  Emeline  R 

1868  Brower,  Miss  Angelina  C 1 870 

1572  Brown,  Alva  J 

1872  Brown,  Mrs.  Ada  M 

187 1  Brown,  Miss  A.  Isabel 

1868  Brown,  Miss  Emma  L 

1869  Brown,  Miss  Kate 

1871  Brown,  Mrs.  Margaret 

1867  Brown,  Miss  Mary  E 1868 

1872  Brownell,  Miss  Angenora  M 

1S69  Bryant,  Elias  A 1871 

1869  Bryant,  Mrs.  Laura  E 1871 

1868  Bryant,  Elihu 1869 

1868  Bryant,  Mrs.  Mary  S 1872 

1868  Buck,  Mrs.  Elizabeth 

1868  Bullard,  Henry  W 1871 

1868  Bullard,  Mrs.  Sarah  L 1871 

1867  Bundick,  Miss  Ellen 

1872  Burbank,  J.  K 1872 

1871  Burgess,  Miss  Julia 

1869  Burgess,  Miss  Lydia  (now  Mrs.  Field) 

1872  Burham,  Sidney 

1869  Burke,  Mrs.  Elizabeth 

1868  Burke,  William  L 

1868  Burke,  Mrs.  Harriet  E 

1871  Burnap,  Miss  Druscilla  G 

1S67  Burns,  Miss  Margaret 

1867  Burroughs,  Miss  Sophia  M 

1868  Burrows,  Edwin  B 

1868  Bush,  Rufus  T 

1868  Bush,  Mrs.  Sarah  M 

1872  Buttman,  George,  Jr 

1872  Byer,  Miss  Katie  L 

187 1  Byron,  Miss  Rachael 


c 


187 1  Cameron,  John 

1869  Camp,  Miss  Aretta. . . 

1869  Camp,  "James  B  . . . . 

1869  Camp,  Miss  Mary  E  . 

1872  Camp,  Miss  Mary  A, 
1872  Caldwell,  Frank  E. . , 
1868  Caldwell,  Jardyce  S. , 


272  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

Admitted.  Names.                                                                                      Con.  dis. 

1869  Caldwell,  John 

1868     Carleton,  Edmund  J 1871 

1871  Carpenter,  Miss  Anna  P 

1872  Carpenter,  Benoni  G 

1872     Carpenter,  Mrs.  Fannie  E 

1871  Carpenter,  Miss  Mary  F 

1872  Carpenter,  Mrs.  Matilda 

1872     Carpenter,  Miss  Martha  E 

1867     Carman,  Miss  Bertine  P 1869 

1867  Carrigan,  John  H.  (now  John  H.  Clayton) 

1870  Cary,  Mrs*.  Sarah  S.  B 

1870  Cary,  Edwin  F 

1872     Catherar,  Charles 

1872     Catherar,  Mrs.  A 

1871  Chadwick,  Charles  W 

1868  Chambers,  Forman  S 

1868     Chamberlain,  Alfred  E 

J870     Chandler,  Miss  Ada 

1870  Chandler,  Miss  Eliza  C 

1867  Chandler ;  Miss  Sallie 1870 

187 1  Chapin,  Mrs.  Laura  C 

1868  Chapin,  Nathan  T , 

1868  Chapin,  Mrs.  Julia  M 

1869  Chartres,  Robert  P 

1868     Chase,  Alonzo 

1868  Chase,  Mrs.  Cordelia 

1869  Chase,  Mrs.  Elizabeth 

1870  Christensen,  Christian  T 

1870  Christensen,  Mrs.  Emma  L 

1867     Churchill,  W.  K 

1867     Cipperly,  Mrs.  Sophia  C 

1867     Clapp,  Mrs.  Harriet  K 

1871  Clark,  Mrs.  Clara 

1867  Clark,  Miss  Mary  F 

1872  Clark,  Miss  Mary  J 

1872     Clark,  John  H 

1868  Clarke,  Mrs.  Sophia  A 

1870     Clarke,  Edwin,  Jr 

1872     Clarke,  Miss  Elizabeth  H 

1868     Clausen,  Mrs.  Emma 

1870     Coates,  Miss  Susannah 

1868     Cobleigh,  Nelson  F 

1868  Coffin,  Rowland 

1869  Cogswell,  Mrs.  J.  W 

1868     Colburn,  Miss  Maria  C 

1868     Colburn,  Miss  Emily  M 

1867     Cole,  Daniel  M 

1867     Cole,  Mrs.  Maria 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


273 


Admitted.  Names.  Con.  dis. 

1869  Cole,  Mrs.  Emily  C 

1870  Colver,  Mrs.  Ann  E 

1869  Combes,  Hiram  G 

1869  Combes,  Mrs.  Sarah  M 

1867  Combes,  William  A 

1869  Comstock,  Miss  Maria  M 

1867  Conklin,  John  M 

1869  Conklin,  Lewis  O 

1870  Cone,  Edward  P 

1870  Cone,  Mrs.  Anna  M 

1870  Conant,  Mrs.  Jennie  B 

1871  Cook,  William 

1872  Cordener,  Mrs.  Charlotte 

1872  Cordon,  Miss  Lizzie 

1868  Cornell,  William  S 

1868  Corning,  J.  W.  L 

1868  Corning,  Miss  Catherine  M 

1871  Cornwall,  Mrs.  Laura  B 

1871  Corp,  Miss  Mary  J 

1867  Cowperthwait,  Miss  Victorine 

1868  Cox,  Miss  Georgiana  (now  Mrs.  Warren) 

1872  Cotherin,  Chas 

1872  Cotherin,  Mrs.  Alice 

1867  Crane,  George  L 

1867  Crane,  Mrs.  Helen  M 

1870  Crane,  Edward  M 

1872  Crane,  Mrs.  Ida 

1872  Cree,  David 

1868  Crossley,  Mrs.  Emma 

1869  Cruger,  Judson 

D 

1870  Davenport,  Miss  Ellen 

1872  Davenport,  Jonas  P 

1872  Dartrich,  John 

1872  Day,  Miss  Emma  P 

1869  Day,  Judson  F 

1870  Davis,  Isaac <» 

1872  Davis,  Singesmer 

1869  Davies,  Charles 

1867  Dawson,  Rodney  B.,  Jr 1867 

1871  Dean,  Alfred  T 1871 

1871  Dean,  Mrs.  Mary  E 1871 

1872  Degraw,  John  A 

1871  Demerest,  John  H 

1 87 1  Demerest,  Mrs.  Elizabeth 

187 1  Demerest,  David 

12* 


274  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

Admitted.  ITirt  Con.  dig. 

187 1  Demerest,  Andrew  J 

1869  Dennis,  Miss  Frances 

187 1  Dennis,  Mrs.  Frances 

1872  Desmond,  Miss  Kate 

1871  Devoy,  John  C 1872 

1871  Devoy,  Mrs.  Rachael 1872 

1871  Devoy,  Miss  Georgiana 1872 

1872  Dewey,  George  M 

1868  Dewey,  Edmund  H 

1868  Dewey,  Mrs.  Sylvia  A 

1868  Dillont,   Frederick 

1869  Dickenson,  Henry  W 

1869  Dickerson,  Mrs.  Mary  J 

1869  Dorr,  Miss  Annie 

1 87 1  Dorr,  Mrs.  Emily  R 

1872  Dooley,  Mrs.  Jane 

1869  Doten,  Charles  A f 

1869  Douglas,  Richard  D 

1869  Douglass,  Mrs.  Mary  A 

187 1  Dows,  Joseph 

1 870  Dresser,  Charles  A 

1872'  Dudley,  Miss  Martha 

1867  Duncan,  George  F 

1872  Duncan,  Henry  E 

1872  Dugard,  Miss  Mariana 

1870  Dungate,  Mrs.  Mary  A 

1871  Dungate,  Miss  Sarah 

1872  Dungate,  Miss  Amelia 

1871  Dunn,  Hugh  S 

1867  Dunn,  Mrs.  Margaret 

1870  Dupinac,  Richard  P 1870 

1870  Dupre,  Miss  Katie 

1867  Durie,  David 


1867  Durno,  Mrs.  Margaret 

1870  Duryea,  Miss  Kate  D 

1872  Dusenberry,  Henry  A 

1867  Dwyer,  Miss  Fanny 

1872  Dwyer,  Miss  Susan 

1869  Dyer,  Miss  Emma  N 

1S69  Dyer,  Miss  Susie  F 

E 

1 87 1  Earle,  John  B 

1S71  Earle,  Mrs.  Amanda 

1871  Edgell,  James  G 

187 1  Edgell,  Mrs.  Anna 

1S68  Edmunds,  Miss  Georgiana  B 1870 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH  27$ 

Admitted.  Names.  Con.  dis. 

1870  Egerton,  Miss  Jane 

187 1  Eike,  Mrs.  Sarah 

187 1  Ellinwood,  Truman  J 

1871  Ellinwood,  Mrs.  Sarah  M 

1870  Elliott,  Miss  Eleanor  E 

1870  Ellis,  Miss  Louisa 

1872  Ely,  Miss  Bessie  P 

1867  Ely,  George  G 

1869  Evans,  Mrs.  Kate 

1872  Eves,  Miss  Emma 

1872  Eves,  Miss  Lizzie 

F 

1872  Faber,  William  H 

1869  Farr,  Milliard  F % 

1868  Faucett,  Andrew 1870 

1869  Fay,  Marcellus  E 

1870  Fergurson,  Moses  G 

1870  Fergurson,  Mrs.  Eleanor 

1870  Fergurson,  Miss  Sarah  A 1871 

1871  Fergurson,  John  H 

1871  Fergurson,  Mrs.  Sylvia 

1871  Fergurson,  Mrs.  Georgie 

1872  Fergurson,  Miss  Mary  L 

1870  Ferris,  Miss  Phcebe  J 

1872  Ficken,  James 

1871  Finch,  Mrs.  Elizabeth 

1867  Fisher,  Edmund  C 

1867  Fisher,  Mrs.  Sarah  E 

1871  Fitzgerald,  Mrs.  Mary 

1871  Fitzgerald,  Miss  Sarah 

1870  Fischer,  Miss  Ida 

1871  Flagge,  Mrs.  Christina 

187 1  Flagge,  Henry 

1869  Flanders,  Miss  Kate  A.  M.  (now  Mrs.  Pelton). . 

1869  Flanders,  Miss  Susan  E 

1868  Fletcher,  Mrs.  H.  R 

1868  Flindt,  Miss  Matilda  E 

1870  Floyd,  James  S 

1870  Floyd,  Miss  Julia  (now  Mrs.  Smith) 

1867  Foote,  Miss  Sarah  E 

1871  Ford,  Mrs.  A.  P 

1870  Foster,  Mrs.  Laura  B 1872 

1870  Foster,  Miss  Mary  H.  C 

187 1  Foster,  William 

1872  Fowle,  Miss  Jennie 

1870  Frazee,  Loneda -. 


2;6  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

Admitted.  Names.  Con. 

1870  Frazee,  Mrs.  Mary  M 

1872  Freckelton,  Miss  Eva  . . . 

1872  Free,  Mrs.  Margaret 

1872  Free,  Miss  Henrietta 


G 

1S68  Galindo,  Edwin  A 

1S70  Gandley,  Miss  Mary  F 

1S67  Gannett,  Miss  Belle 

187 1  Gano,  George  W 

1868  Garbutt,  Miss  Emma  L 

1868  Garbutt,  Miss  Jennie  (now  Mrs.  Jewell) 

1871  Gaston,  Mrs.  Hannah 

1867  Gatter,  Charles  E 1869 

1872  Gauntt,  Mrs.  Mary  A 

1872  Gauntt,  Miss  Emma  J 

1872  Gauntt,  Miss  Mary  L 

1872  Gauntt,  Lewis  F 

1S72  Gauntt,  Edward  C 

1 87 1  Getchell,  Miss  Lydia 

1870  Gibbs,  Miss  Carrie 

1870  Gibbs,  John  C 

1868  Gilbert,  Miss  Cecilia  L 

1872  Gilbert,  Ebenezer  D 

1872  Gilbert,  Mrs.  Mary  R 

1872  Gilbert,  Miss  Mary  R 

1872  Gilbert,  Miss  Sarah  D 

1868  Gildersleeve,  Mrs.  Anna  M.  V 

1871  Gilfillan,  Miss  Mary  E 

1872  Goddard,  Miss  Jennie 

1869  Gold,  Edward 

1871  Gooding,  Miss  Ada 

1872  Goodrich,  Henry  H.  K 

1870  Gorman,  Miss  Agnes  (now  Mrs.  Kennedy) 

1870  Gosling,  Miss  Charlotte  M 1872 

1868  Gossip,  George 

1872  Graham,  Josiah 

1872  Graham,  Miss  Kate 

1870  Graham,  Robert 

1868  Graves,  Charles  C 1868 

1868  Graves,  Mrs.  Elmira  H 

1868  Graves,  Charles  C,  Jr 1872 

1868  Graves,  George 

1870  Gray,  Miss  Julia 

1869  Green,  Miss. Emily  D.  W.  (now  Mrs.  Daily).... 
1868  Green,  Girard  C 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  277 

Admitted.  Names.  Con.  dig. 

1870  Grew,  Mrs.  Mary  S .' 

1869  Grierson,  Miss  Mary 

1872  Griffin,  William  J 

1871  Griffith,  Miss  Mary  J 

1868  Griswold,  Lyman  J 1872 

1871  Groening,  Paul  C 

1870  Guillame,  Miss  Clara 

1870  Guinlock,  Mrs.  Georgiana 

1870  Guinlock,  Miss  Georgiana  J.  (now  Mrs.  Hollis). 

1870  Guinlock,  Miss  Alice 

1867  Guiteau,  Charles  J 1869 

1872  Guthrie,  Richard 

1871  Gwillian,  Richard 

H 

1869  Habberton,  Mrs.  Alice  L 1870 

1870  Hagan,  Miss  Amelia 

1872  Haines,  Miss  Susan 

1868  Hakes,  Mrs.  Jennie  B 

1869  Hall,  Edward  A 

1868  Hall,  GranvUle  S 

1872  Hall,  H.  M 

1870  Hall,  Mrs.  Mary  L 

1872  Hall,  Harvey  C 

1872  Halliday,  F.  J 

1872  Halliday,  Mrs.  Sarah  A '. 

1868  Halliday,  Miss  Jennie  (now  Mrs.  Gibson) 

1871  Halliday,  William 

1871  Hallock,  Miss  Martha  T 

1872  Hallock,  Miss  A.  Ada 

187 1  Halsey,  Henry 

1867  Hammond,  Miss  Josephine 

1872  Hanna,  James 1872 

1872  Harlow,  Samuel  R 

1872  Harlow,  Mrs.  Mary  E 

1872  Harlow,  Miss  Sarah  A 

1871  Harper,  Miss  Lillie  J 

1871  Harrington,  Miss  Fanny  M 

1867  Harris,  Mrs.  Margaret 

1870  Harris,  Mrs.  Maria 

1868  Harrison,  Mrs.  Annie 

1868  Hart,  Miss  Hannah 

1870  Hartman,  Miss  Emma 

1868  Harwood,  Miss  Julia  E 

1872  Hatten,  Henry 

1867  Hawarth,  Mrs.  Amelia 

1869  Hawkins,  Miss  Martha 


278 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


Admitted.  Names.  Con.  dls. 

1869  Hayman,  Miss  Elizabeth 

1869  Hazelton,  Miss  Carrie  E 

1867  Head,  Miss  Fannie 

1869  Head,  William 

1868  Healy,  A.  Augustus 

1S67  Healy,   Frank 

1571  Healy,  John 

1872  Hein,  Louis 

1870  Hemmington,  William 

1869  Hendricks* >n,  Miss  Louisa  B 

1872  Henry,  Miss  Mary  F 

1872  Hepburn,  Mrs.  Marion 

1870  Herriott,  Peter 

1871  Hervey,  James  M 

1S69  Hewitt,  Miss  Eiizabeth  (now  Mrs.  Davenport). . 

1869  Hewitt,  Miss  Sophia  L 

1572  Hickcox,  Miss  Hattie 

1871  Hill,  James  T 

1872  Hill,  Miss  Katie 

1867  Hill,  Miss  Emma 

1868  Hill,  Oilman  C 1870 

1870  Hillyer,  Henry 

1S67  Hinman,  Miss  Anna  A 

1868  Hinman,  Miss  Ella 

1868  Hofstetter,  Antony 

1872  Hollis,  Miles 

1872  Hone,  Miss  Sarah  J 

1869  Holmes,  Miss  Ada  A.  (now  Mrs.  Scholes) 

1869  Houghton,  Charles  F 

1870  Howes,  John  J 

1870  Howes,  Mrs.  Caroline 

1 87 1  Howes,  Honnath 

1870  Hornbeck,  G.  D '. 

1872  Hopewell,  William 

1871  Hubbard,  Miss  Eugenie  A 

1870  Hudson,  George,  Jr 

1870  Hudson,  Mrs.  Sarah 

1870  Hudson,  Miss  Harriet 

1867  Hunter,  Mrs.  Sarah  A 

1869  Hunter,  Miss  Elizabeth 

1872  Hutchinson,  Miss  Katie 

1869  Hurst,  James 


1870 
1S70 


Ingersoll,  William  H 

Ingersoll,  Mrs,  Adelaide  M , 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  279 

J 

Admitted.  Names.  Con.  dis. 

1872  Jackson,  Mrs.  Mary  A 

1869  Jaeger,  Aclolph  G 

1863  Jagger,  David  E : 

1 863  Jagger,  Mrs.  Dorcas 

1S70  Jamison,  Mrs.  Rachael  P 

1870  Jeffrey,  Mrs.  Maria  B 

1867  Jeffrey,  Thomas 

1870  Jessamine,  Miss  Emma 

1868  Jewett,  Mrs.  Annie  F 

1872  Johnson,  Mrs.  Catherine  W 

1867  Johnson,  J.  Hasbrouck 

1869  Johnson,  Nathaniel 

1872  Jones,  Miss  Anna  K 

1872  Jones,  James 

1872  Jones,  Miss  Mary  L 

1868  Jones,  Thomas  W 1870 

1868  Jones,  Mrs.  Frances  G 1869 

187 1  Jones,  William 

1871  Judson,  Mrs.  Harriet 

1870  Jumper,  Charles 

K 

1870  Kellogg,  Brainard 

1868  Kelly,  William 1872 

1871  Kemlo,  Miss  Louisa 

1870  Kent,  Miss  Charlotte  W 

i863  Keppel,  Frederick 

1871  Ketcham,  William , ;  .•. . 

1871  Key,  Mrs.  Amelia  B 

1871  Kick,  Henry  M 

1871  Kick,  Mrs.  Mary 

1871  Kick,  Henry,  Jr 

1S70  Kiermeyer,  J.  C 1871 

1869  Kiermeyer,  Mrs.  Dora 

1871  Kiermeyer,  George 

1872  Kinsley,  Miss  Katie 

1868  Knight,  William  D 1872 

.  1S71  Kirby,  Albert. 

1872  Kirkley,  Miss  Anna  E 

L 

1872  Laidler,  Miss  Mary 

1869  Lane,  Thomas  P 

1872  Landon,  Cassius  D 

1867  Langdon,  Miss  Jerusha 1872 


28o  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

Admitted.  Names.  Con,  dia. 

1869  Lash,  Miss  Mary  J 

1869  Lascelle,  Mrs.  Caroline  A   

1871  Latur,  Ferdinand 

1 87 1  Latur,  Mrs.  Wilhemina 

1869  Lawrence,  Ephraim  A 

1869  Lawrence,  M  rs.  Clara  P 

1869  Lawrence,  William  A 

1869  Lawrence,  Mrs.  Mary  A 

1870  Lazelle,  Mrs.  Tabitha 

1869  Leach,  Mrs.  Eliza 

1870  Leach,  Miss  Emily  J 

1870  Leach,  Miss  Hannah  (now  Mrs.  Duncan) 

1868  Leach,  James 

1868  Leonard,  Ambrose 

1867  Leonard,  Mrs.  Mary  A 1872 

1868  Lewis,  Miss  Mary  E 

1869  Lightbody,  Mrs.  Abbie  F 1870 

1869  Lindeman,  Miss  Lizzie 

1871  Linegar,  Charles 

1871  Littlewood,  James  E 

1S71  Littlewood,  Mrs.  Jeannette 

1870  Lloyd,  James  H 

1870  Lockwood,  Miss  Henrietta 

1870  Lockwood,  Miss  Julia 

1870  Long,  Mrs.  Sarah  C 

1870  Looke,  Mrs.  Christiana 

1872  Loring,  John  H 

1869  Ludlam,  Miss  Augusta  P 

1869  Ludlam,  Miss  Cornelia  P 

1870  Ludlam,  Miss  Jennie  P.  (now  Mrs.  Smith) 

1869  Ludlam,  Miss  Julia  P 

1869  Lusk,  Mrs.  Frances  E 

M 

187 1  Mabee,  George  W 

1867  Mack,  Mrs.  Julia  A 

1870  Magonn,  Edmund  , 

1870  Malone,  Miss  Esther  C 

1870  Man  by,  Miss  Anna  M 

187 1  Manby,  George 

1871  Manby,  Mrs.  Mary  S 

1870  Manby,  Miss  Isabella 

1869  Manchester,  A.  Russell 1872 

1871  Manning,  Alfred  E 

1871  Manning,  William  H 

187 1  Marsh,  Isaac  T 

1869  Martin,  John 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  28l 

Admitted.  Names.                                                                                     Con.  dis. 

1867  Martin,  Miss  Mary 

1871  Mason,  Mrs.  Clara  D 

1872  Mather,  George 

1871  Matthews,  Miss  Emily 

1870     Matthews,  Miss  Alice  G 

1870     May,  Samuel  S 

1870  May,  Mrs.  Eliza 

1872  Mayhew,  Frank  B 

1869  Meach,  Miss  Agnes 

187 1  Mead,  Mrs.  Harriet  J 

1871     Mead,  William  E 

187 1     Mead,  Mrs.  Adelia 

1868  Meade,  William  II 

1870  Meeks,  Miss  Carrie  A 

1867     Meeks,  Ralph 

1867  Meighan,  J.  M 

1871  Mercer,  Mrs.  Augusta 

1870  Merchant,  Miss  Carrie 

187 1  Meredith,  Evan 

1872  Merry,  William  J 

1870  Merry,  Mrs.  Sarah 

1872     Miller,  Mrs.  Nancy 

1871  Moffatt,  Robert 

1868  MofTatt,  Miss  Mary  H 1872 

1870  Monte,  Harold 

1872  Montignani,  Albert 

1869  Moore,  James 

1871  Morgan,  Miss  Abby  B 

1870  Morrill,  Miss  Anna  E 

1870     Morrill,  Julius  A 

1870     Morrill,  Mrs.  Sarah  B 

1869     Morton,  Charles  M 

1869  Morton,  Mrs.  Emma 

1870  Munday,  Arthur  J 

1870     Munday,  Charles  H , 

1868     Munn,  Mrs.  Juliet  A 

1867  Munn,  Miss  Juliet  L 

1868  Munn,  Miss  Sallie  C 1870 

1867     Murlin,  Mrs.  Margaret 

1869  Murphy,  Mrs.  Mary 

1867     Murray,  Mrs.  Margaretta 

1872  Myers,  Joseph  G.,  Jr 

Mc. 

1867     McBride,  Miss  Jennie  (now  Mrs.  Leavens) 

1870  McClelland,  William  R 

1867     McCord,  Charles  O 


282  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

Admitted.  Names.  Con.  dls. 

1868  McCord,  Mrs.  Mary  H 

187 1  McCorkindale,  Mi-s  Emma 

1 87 1  McCorkindale,  Miss  Kate  (now  Mrs.  Cornwall). 

1871  McCorkindale,  Mrs.  Laura  G 

1569  McCormick,  Miss  Jennie 

1S67  McCraken,  Mrs.  Mary  A 1S72 

1871  McDonald,  Frank  V 

187 1  McDonald,  Richard  H 

187 1  McGinnis,  James 

1869  McGlashan,  Mrs.  Harriet  O 

1871  McGowan,  Edward 

1871  McGowan,  Mrs.  Kate 

1871  McGowan,  Miss  Jennie  A 

1867  McGregor,  Miss  Jennie 

1871  McKay,  Miss  Maggie  A 

1S67  McKenzie,  Mrs.  Harriet 1870 

1867  McKenzie,  Miss  Helen 1S70 

1570  McLaren,  Duncan 

1870  McLaren,  Mrs.  Mary 

1872  McLeod,  Miss  Elisa 

187 1  McNair,  William  A 

1S72  McWood,  Miss  Virginia 


N 

1871  Napier,  Mrs.  Jane 

1868  Nash,  Lucius  C 

1870     Neal,  Miss  Julia 

1869  Neal.  Miss  Katie  C 

1S70     Newman,  Miss  Agnes 

1870  Newman,  Miss  Bertha 

1S70     Newton,  Benjamin  F 1S71 

1S69     Nichols,  William  G 

1870     Noe,  Ellis  M 

1872  Norris,  Wallace 

1869  Norton,  Oliver,  Jr 

o 

1868     Oakley,  Miss  Isabella  G 

1870  Olsen,  Solomon 

18S0     Olsen,  Mrs.  Matilda 

1867     Orr,  Miss  Eliza 

1871  Osborn,  C.  Mortimer 

1S68     Osborn,  Miss  Rebecca 

1870     Outhrup,  Miss  Elizabeth 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  283 

P 

Admitted.  Names.  Con.  dis. 

1867  Packer,  Mrs.  Margaret 1871 

1867  Paddock,  John  D 1868 

1870  Paine,  George  W 1872 

1870  Paine,  Mrs.  Frances  B 1S72 

1869  Palm,  John  G 

1868  Palmer,  Miss  Eliza  A 

1872  Palmer,  Miss  Ella  A 

1872  Palmer,  William  H 

1872  Palmer,  Mrs.  Julia  N 

1868  Pangborn,  Joseph  G 

1872  Paten,  Miss  Ellen  A 

1869  Patmore,  Mrs.  Charity  A 

1872  Patterson,  George 

1869  Patterson,  Mrs.  Elizabeth 

1868  Penny,  Miss  Cecilia  W •. 

1S70  Peterson,  Frank 

1870  Phelps,  Calvin 1871 

1870  Phelps,  Mrs.  Julia 1871 

1872  Phelps,  Edwin  D 

1870  Phipps,  Miss  Bertha  K 

1870  Phipps,  Miss  Martha 

1870  Phipps,  Mrs.  C.  L 

1868  Pierce,  Edward  H 

1869  Pierce,  Frank  E 

1867  Pierrepont,  William  H 

1871  Pierson,  Charles  G 

1871  Pierson,  Mrs.  Josephine 

1868  Piatt,  Miss  Stella  J 

1869  Plumstead,  Miss  Phcebe 

1872  Poley,  Miss  Elizabeth 

1870  Pollard,  Mrs.   Harriet 

1867  Porter,  Rienzi  D 

1869  Potter,  Miss  Florence 

1869  Power,  Miss  Annie  M 

1867  Power,   Miss  Margaret  E 

1870  Pozo,  Phillip 

1870  Pratt,  Mrs.  Frances  S.  S 

1870  Pratt,  Miss  Lucy 

1867  Pratt,  Miss  Rosa  J 

1868  Pray,  Orestes  M 1S69 

1870  Price,  Elias  W 

1870  Price,  Mrs.  Phcebe 

1868  Price,  George  A 

1868  Price,  Mrs.  A.  Adelaide 

1870  Price,  Miss  Hattie  S 

1870  Price,  Miss  Henrietta 

1870  Price,  Miss  Ida 


284  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

Admitted.  Names.                                                                                           Con.  di* 

1868     Price,  William  II. 

1868  Price,  Virgil 

1870  Price,  Virgil,  Jr 

1869  Primmitt,  Miss  Sarah 

1869     Pullman,  Miss  Mary  L 

1868     Pulver,  Miss  Eliza  E 

1871  Pyle,  Mifflin 


1872     Quimby,  Miss  Alletta. . 
1 87 1     Quimby,  Miss  Marietta. 


1867  Raddell,  William 

1869  Radford,  Miss  Lizzie , 

1872  Randall,  Clark 

1867  Rankin,  Miss  Ada 

1867  Rankin,  Miss  Maggie , 

1871  Ray,  William 

1871  Ray,  Mrs.  Addie 

1872  Raymond,  Thomas , 

1867  Raynor,  Miss  Ellen  A 

1871  Reeder,  Albert  R 

1870  Reeder,  Miss  Lillie  T , 

1870  Renwick,  James 

1867  Rice,  Miss  Luanna 

1872  Richardson,  Miss  Hattie , 

1 87 1  Richmond,  Mrs.  Ruth  M , 

1872  Roberts,  Miss  Fanny  O , 

1872  Roberts,  Miss  Lydia 

1867  Robinson,  Richard  W 

1870  Robinson,  Miss  Louisa  L , 

1870  Robinson,  Miss  Mary  N 

1867  Roraback,  Mrs.  Julia  A , 

1871  Ronn,  Mrs.  Sarah 

1872  Rose,  William  W.,  Jr 

1871  Rossa,  Mrs.  Catherine 

1870  Russ,  Miss  Sarah  F 

1872  Russell,  Mrs.  Anna  E 

1868  Russell,  Miss  Emma  (now  Mrs.  Thomas), 

187 1  Russell,  George , 

187 1  Russell,  Mrs.  Lucia  W 

1872  Russell,  Mrs.  Jane 

1872  Russell,  Miss  Mary , 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  285 

s 

Admitted.  Xames.  Con.  dis. 

1868  Sackett,  Augustine 1871 

1872  Sackett,  Emanuel  K 

1872  Sandhouse,  Miss  Mary 

1872  Sanders,  Cassius  D 

1869  Saunders,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  E 

1872  Savidge,  Miss  Ann  E 

1872  Schenck,  Miss  Mary  S 

1872  Schwarz,  Miss  Antonia 

1872  Scott,  George  S 

1869  Scott,  Mrs.  Sarah 

1872  Scott,  Miss  Rebecca  L 

1872  Scott,  Miss  Sarah  E 

1870  Scribner,  James 

1870  Scribner,  Mrs.  Mary  G 

1S69  Seymour,  John  F 

1872  Seixas,  Miss  Abagail  C 

1871  Shaw,  Miss  Eleanor  J 

1870  Shears,  Mrs.  Levina 

1872  Shepard,  Mrs.  Ann  E 

1870  Shepard,  Miss  Anna  M 

1870  Shepard,  Mrs.  Eliza  W 

1867  Shipman,  Miss  Hattie  N 

1869  Shipman,  Miss  Lizzie  W 

1871  Shoemaker,  Charles  B 

187 1  Shoemaker,  Mrs.  Mary 

1870  Simons,  Miss  Laura  E 

1870  Simpson,  Charles 

187 1  Skerry,  Amory 

1871  Skerry,  Mrs.  Martha  B 

1872  Skerry,  Miss  Martha  B 

1868  Skilton,  James  A 

1871  Skinner,  Miss  Jane  F *. 

1868  Skinner,  Miss  Susan 

1871  Slack,  John 

1868  Sloan,  Miss  Mary  A 1869 

1868  Smith,  Brainerd 

1870  Smith,  George  H 

1870  Smith,  Henry  S 1871 

1871  Smith,  Mrs.  Christina 

1871  Smith,  Mrs.  Emma  W 

1872  Smith,  Miss  Emma 

1871  Smith,  Joseph  L 1872 

1871  Smith,  Mrs.  E.  C 1873 

1870  Smith,  Miss  Mary  A  . • 

1870  Smith,  William  E 

1871  Smith,  W.  E 

1868  Smith,  Henry  L 


286  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

Admitted.  Names.  Con.  dla. 

1867  Smith,  Mrs.  Rebecca  L 

1868  Smythe,  Mrs.  Abagail 

1872  Snow,  Edward  L 

1872  Snow,  Mrs.  Elizabeth 

1872  Snow,  Miss  Tirza 

1872  Southard,  Henry  D 

1867  Southwick,  Miss  Ella  M 

1872  Spears,  Mrs.  Catherine  S.  B 

1872  Spencer,  Miss  Elizabeth  R 

1872  Spooner,  Gideon  B 

1872  Spooner,  Mrs.  Charlotte  M 

1869  Stacey,  John  C 1870 

1871  Stearns,  William  A 

1868  Stearns,  Mrs.  Helen  A 

1870  Stephens,  M iss  Isabella 

1871  Stephenson,  Charles  F 

1867  Sterritt,  William  W 1868 

187 1  Stevens,  Cassias  R 

1868  Stewart,  Edwin  E 

1867  Stewart,  George  H 

1869  Stewart,  Miss  Josephine 

1869  Stewart,  Miss  Sarah 

187 1  Stewart,  Miss  Perpetua 

1867  Stewart,  Robert 

1867  Stewart,  Robert  L 

1868  Stillwell,  Miss  Anna  M 

1868  Stillwell,  Samuel  D 

1871  Stone,  Miss  Carrie 

1867  Stone,  Miss  Kate  D 

1S69  Strong,  Mrs.  Mary  B 

1870  Strong,  Miss  Clara  L 

1869  Studwell,  George  S 

1870  Sullivan,  James 

1869  Sulton,  Miss  Anna  E.  (now  Mrs.  Pitt) 

1869  Sulton,  Miss  Clarissa  M 

1868  Swan,  Frank  M 

1871  Swezey,  Miss  Hannah 

1870  Swinarton,  John  A 

1870  Swinarton,  Mrs.  Mary  A 

1872  Swithenbank,  Edward  L 

1872  Swithenbank,  Miss  Maria 

1868  Sylvester,  Isaiah 


T 


[871  Taft,  Mrs.  Lydia  F  . 
[872  Tallman,  George  C. 
[872     Tallman,  Mrs.  Julia. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  287 


kdtnitted.  Names. 

1 87 1  Tappenden,  Miss  Fannie. 

1871  Tate,  James 

1 87 1  Tate,  Mrs.  Charlotte 

1868  Taylor,  Mrs.  Mary 

1868  Taylor,  Miss  Melissa 

1872  Terry,  Allen  B 

1870  Thomas,  Anthony  S 

1872  Thomas,  Edward 

1870  Thomas,  Frederick  J 

1870  Thomas,  Miss  Theresa. . 

1867  Thompson,  William.  . .  . 

1868  Thorpe,  Henry 

1869  Thurber,  Mrs.  Anna  M . 
1S69  Thursby,  Miss  Emma  C. . 

1872  Tilney,  Joseph. 

1872  Tilney,  Thomas  J 

1869  Tiiton,  Miss  Annie  D  . . . 

1868  Tiiton,  Miss  Florence  . . . 

1 87 1  Titcomb,  Miss  Mary  ...  . 

1869  Toedt,  Miss  Matilda 

1870  Topliff,  Mrs.  Louisa 

1870  Topliff,  Mrs.  Margaret . . 

1872  Transom,  Miss  Caroline. . 
1870  Transom,  Miss  Emma.  . , 

1870  Traphegan,  George  C  . . . 
1872  Tremper,  Michael 

1869  Trigg,  Mrs.  Charlotte... 

1871  Tripp,  Lewis 

1871  Turner,  Miss  Eva. ....-., 

1871  Turnow,  Mrs.  Auguata. , 

1S72  Tuttle,  Mrs.  Isabella 

1867  Twist,  Mrs.  Elizabeth. . , 

1867  Twist,  Henry , 

1S72  Tydeman,  Miss  Emma. . 

1872  Tydeman,  Mrs.  Maria. . , 

1870  Tyrrell,  Miss  Ella  L 


1867  Vail,  Joseph  H 

1868  Vanderbilt,  Mrs.  Keziah 

1S72  Van  Doom,  George 

1872  Van  Doom,  Mrs.  Isabella.  . . 

1S70  Van  Everson,  Miss  Julia  C. . . 

1S70  Van  Ingen,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  J. 

1868  Van  Ingen,  Mrs.  Mary  L 

1S69  Van  Nostrand,  Miss  Rachael. 


288  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH, 

Admitted.  Karnes.  Con.  di* 

1868  Van  Wagoner,  Cornelius  S 

1872  Vosburg,  Miss  Carrie  C 

w 

1870  Wadsworth,  William  B 

1872  Wainwright,  George  H 

1871  Waldo,  Charles  D 1871 

1870  Walker,  Francis  H 

1870  Walker,  Mrs.  Marilla 

1871  Wallace,  William 

1872  Ward,  Miss  Mary 

1871  Warner,  Miss  Edith 

1869  Warner,  Miss  Emma  B 

187 1  Warren,  Charles 

1867  Warren,  William  H.  J 

1870  Warring,  Ja?7ies  E 

1872  Washburn,  Mrs.  Elizabeth 

1870  Wass,  Mrs.  Lydia 

1870  Waterbury,  Charles  M 

1868  Waterman,  Miss  Mary  E 1870 

1S67  Waters,  Miss  Rosina 1868 

1867  Watson,  Charles  H 

1867  Watson,  Miss  Frances 1869 

1867  Watson,  James  H 

1867  Watson,  Mrs.  Mary  E 

1867  •Watson,  Miss  Mary  E 

1567  Weillings,  Charles 1868 

1868  Welling,  J.  T 1869 

1868  Welling,  Mrs.  Eliza 1S69 

1568  Welling,  Miss  Susan 1869 

1868  Welling,  Silas  W 1869 

1870  Welling,  Miss  Addie  (now  Mrs.  Brenner) , 

1868  Welling,  Miss  Adeline 1869 

1871  Wells,  Mrs.  Harriet  D 

1S68  Wells,  George  H 

1867  Wells,  Miss  Marie  E.  (now  Mrs.  Jacobson) 

1872  Wells,  Mrs.  Hettie  A 

1S72  Wells,  Mrs.  Mary  A 

1872  Wescott,  Miss  Alice 

1867  Wheeler,  Miss  Emma  C 

1S67  Wheelock,  William  E 

1868  White,  Hiram  B 

1S70  White,  Miss  Jennie  C 

1868  White,  Miss  Marv  L 

1868  White,  Mrs.  Maria  M.  D 

1567  White,  Willard  W 1870 

1568  Whitlock,  Lewis  L 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  289 

Admitted.  Names.                                                                                     Con.  dia. 

1868     Whitlock,  Mrs.  Jennie  L 

1868     Whitney,  Mrs.  Elizabeth 

1867     Wierum,  Mrs.  Anna  H 

1867     Wiggins,  Mrs.  Rebecca 1871 

1867  Wight,  Charles  H 

1868  Willard,  A.  Clark 

1869  Williams,  Henry  C 

1871     Williams,  Mrs.  Jennie  L 

1871  Williams,  Mrs.  Nellie 

1870  Wilson,  Elisha 

1870     Wilson,  Mrs.  Julia 

1868  Wilson,  George  A 

1870     Withey,  Miss  Marion  C 

1870     Woodruff,  Truman  B  .  .  . 

1870     Woodruff,  Mrs.  Mary  S 

1872  Woods,  Mrs.  Matilda 

1872     Woods,  Miss  Tillie  F 

1872     Woods,  Miss  Lizzie  N 

1870     Woolison,  Joseph 

1870     Worth,  Miss  Josephine 

1867     Wyman,  Luke 

1867     Wyman,  Mrs.  Mary  A 

1867     Wysocki,  Basil 

Y 

1870     Yandley,  Miss  Mary  F 

1869  Young,  David  T 

1869  Young,  Mrs.  Belle  H 

1870  Young,  Miss  Ellen 

1870    Youngblood,  Miss  Matilda 


z 


1870  Zipfel  Mrs.  Gustine 
1872  Zipfel,  Miss  Minnie 
1870    Zundel,  John 


APPENDIX. 


Form  of  Admission  to  the  Church.* 

FROM    THE    "  PLYMOUTH    CHURCH    MANUAL"    (1867). 


[The  persons  about  to  unite  with  the  Church  upon  a  profession  of  faith  will  take 
their  places  in  front  of  the  pulpit.] 


ADDRESS   BY  THE   PASTOR. 

You  have  separated  yourselves  from  this  congregation, 
dear  friends,  to  perform  one  of  the  most  momentous  and 
yet  joyful  acts  of  your  life.  You  will  never  cease  to  feel 
the  effect  of  the  dedication  which  you  now  make.  Should 
you  cling  affectionately  to  that  Redeemer  whom  you  are 
now  about  openly  to  avouch,  you  will  ever  rejoice  that 
you  were  brought  to  this  hour ;  but  if  your  soul  shall 
draw  back,  and  you  shall  put  Christ  to  an  open  shame, 
this  deed  and  this  hour  shall  be  everlasting  witnesses 
against  you. 

You  have  been  deeply  convinced  of  your  personal  sin- 
fulness;  you  have  heartily  repented  thereof;  you  have 
believed  in  the  forgiving  love  of  Jesus  Christ ;  you  have 

*  The  Articles  of  Faith  and  Covenant,  having  been  revised  by  a  Special  Com- 
mittee, were  adopted  by  the  Church  as  they  now  stand,  on  the  17th  of  April,  1848, 
by  a  unanimous  vote. 


292 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


dedicated  your  heart  and  life  to  him  ;  that  dedication  you 
are  about  to  renew  in  the  presence  of  God  and  this  con- 
gregation. Yet,  be  not  cast  down.  Though  we  have 
thought  it  meet  to  admonish  you,  it  is  with  a  calm  and 
cheerful  hope  that  He  who  in  love  has  called  you  will 
never  leave  nor  forsake  you  until  you  shall  stand  in  Zion 
and  before  God. 

ARTICLES   OF   FAITH. 


i.  We  believe  in  the  existence  of  One  Ever-living  and 
True  God,  Sovereign  and  Unchangeable,  Infinite  in 
Power,  Wisdom  and  Goodness. 

2.  We  believe  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testa- 
ments to  be  inspired  of  God ;  to  contain  a  revelation 
of  His  will,  and  to  be  the  authoritative  rule  of  faith 
and  practice. 

3.  We  believe  that  the  Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy 
Ghost,  are  revealed  in  the  Scriptures  as  existing,  in 
respect  to  attributes,  character  and  office,  as  three 
Persons,  equally  Divine  ;  while  in  other  respects  they 
are  united,  and  are,  in  a  proper  sense,  One  God. 

4.  We  believe  that  our  First  Parents  were  created  up- 
right ;  that  they  fell  from  their  original  state  by  diso- 
bedience, and  that  all  their  posterity  are  not  only 
prone  to  sin,  but  do  become  sinful  and  guilty  before 
God. 

5.  We  believe  that  God  so  loved  the  world  that  he  gave 
his  only  begotten  Son  to  die  for  it ;  that  Christ  ap- 
peared in  the  flesh ;  that  he  set  forth  a  perfect  exam- 
ple of  obedience  ;  that  he  purely  taught  the  truths 
needful  for  our  salvation  ;  that  he  suffered  in  our  stead, 
the  just  for  the  unjust;  that  he  died  to  atone  for  our 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


293 


sins,  and  to  purify  us  therefrom  ;  and  that  he  rose  from 
the  dead  and  ascended  into  heaven,  where  he  ever 
liveth  to  make  intercession  for  us. 

6.  We  believe  that  God  offers  full  forgiveness  and  ever- 
lasting life  to  all  who  will  heartily  repent  and  believe 
in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  while  those  who  do  no.t  be- 
lieve, but  persevere  in  sin,  shall  finally  perish. 

7.  We  believe  in  the  resurrection  of  all  the  dead ;  in  a 
final  and  general  Judgment,  upon  the  awards  of  which 
the  wicked  shall  go  into  everlasting  punishment,  and 
the  righteous  into  life  eternal. 

[Thus  do  you  believe?] 

COVENANT. 

Do  you  now  avouch  the  Lord  Jehovah  to  be  your 
God ;  Jesus  Christ  to  be  your  Saviour ;  the  Holy  Spirit  to 
be  your  Sanctifier?  Renouncing  the  dominion  of  this 
world  over  you,  do  you  consecrate  your  whole  soul  and 
body  to  the  service  of  God  ?  Do  you  receive  his  Word  as 
the  rule  of  your  life,  and,  by  his  grace  assisting  you,  will 
you  persevere  in  this  consecration  unto  the  end  ? 

[The  ordinance  of  Baptism,  if  not  previously  received,  will  here  be  adminis- 
tered.] 

COVENANT   WITH   THE   CHURCH. 

[Here  those  who  unite  by  letter  will  rise  in  their  places.] 

Do  you  solemnly  covenant  and  agree  to  study  the 
peace,  purity,  and  liberty  of  this  Church ;  to  love  and 
watch  over  its  members  as  your  brethren  ;  to  receive 
from  them  all  needful  care  and  admonition  ?  Will  you 
labor  together  with  us  in  the  maintenance  of  its  public 
worship  and  ordinances ;  submit  to  necessary  discipline, 


294 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


and  avoid  all  causes  of  scandal  and  offence,  so  long  as  in 
the  Providence  of  God  you  shall  continue  among  us  ? 

[The  members  of  the  Church  will  here  rise.] 

We,  then,  the  members  of  this  Church,  do  joyfully  and 
cordially  receive  you  into  our  number.  We  promise  to 
bear  with  you,  to  love,  to  edify,  and  by  all  means  in  our 
power  to  advance  you  in  the  Divine  life.     Amen. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


295 


Basis    of   Union 

BETWEEN  THE  CHURCH  AND  THE  SOCIETY. 

[Adopted  June  ii,  1847.] 

i.  The  Society  shall  hold  the  property,  and  receive 
the  income,  and  make  all  pecuniary  engagements,  appro- 
priations and  payments. 

2.  In  calling  a  Pastor,  the  Society  and  Church  will  act 
as  concurrent  bodies — a  majority  of  each  being  necessary 
to  constitute  a  call ;  the  Church  nominating,  and  the  So- 
ciety confirming  or  rejecting  the  nomination. 

3.  The  Church  will  provide  for  the  supply  of  the  pulpit 
when  there  is  no  settled  Pastor ;  make  the  necessary  ar- 
rangements for  singing,  and  in  general,  for  the  orderly 
celebration  of  religious  worship :  and  the  Society  will 
liquidate  all  reasonable  expenses  thereby  incurred. 

ORDER  OF  BUSINESS  AT  THE  ANNUAL 
MEETING  OF  THE  SOCIETY. 

1.  Reading  the  call  of  the  Meeting,  duly  certified. 

2.  Treasurer's  Report. 

3.  Election  of  Trustees  and  other  Officers. 

4.  Appointment  of  Auditor  for  the  ensuing  year. 

5.  Other  Business. 


296 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


RENTING  OF  PEWS. 

The  Pews,  and  half  the  Aisle  Seats  (the  others  being 
free),  are  publicly  rented  on  the  Tuesday*  evening  suc- 
ceeding the  first  Sunday  in  January  of  each  year.  This 
renting  is  never  postponed  on  account  of  the  weather. 

Each  Pew  and  Aisle  Seat  has  a  fixed  valuation,  and 
the  choice  of  any  in  the  house,  without  any  reservation 
for  previous  occupants,  is  offered  to  the  person  who  will 
bid  the  highest  premium  above  the  valuation. 

*  The  statement  made  on  page  164  in  reference  to  this  subject  is  erroneous. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


297 


Ecclesiastical  Principles  and  Rules. 


:o: — 


I.   ECCLESIASTICAL  PRINCIPLES. 

Rule  i.  Independence. — This  church  is  an  indepen- 
dent ecclesiastical  body ;  and,  in  matters  of  doctrine, 
order  and  discipline,  is  amenable  to  no  other  organiza- 
tion. 

Rule  2.  Fellowship  with  other  Churches. — This  Church 
will  extend  to  other  evangelical  churches,  and  receive 
from  them,  that  fellowship,  advice,  and  assistance,  which 
the  laws  of  Christ  require. 

11.    membership. 

Rule  3.  Admission. — Application  for  church  member- 
ship, either  by  letter  or  upon  profession,  must  be  made 
to  the  Examining  Committee ;  but  all  members  of  the 
church  are  entitled  to  participate  in  the  examination. 
Those  applicants  who  are  approved  by  the  Committee 
must  be  propounded  to  the  church  and  congregation  on 
the  Sabbath  immediately  preceding  the  communion. 
The  church  shall  pass  upon  the  names  so  propounded,  at 
the  next  business  meeting,  and  the  persons  accepted  be- 
come members  upon  giving  their  public  assent  to  the 
Articles  of  Faith  and  Covenant. 


293 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


Rule  4.  Discipline. — Members  cannot  be  censured 
by  the  church,  except  by  the  process  herein  stated.  A 
complaint  may  be  made,  either  to  the  Examining  Com- 
mittee, or  to  the  whole  church.  In  the  former  case,  the 
Clerk  of  the  Committee,  and  in  the  latter  case,  the  Clerk 
of  the  church,  must  reduce  the  complaint  to  writing,  if  it 
is  entertained,  and  must  use  due  diligence  to  forward  a 
copy  to  the  accused,  and  to  give  him  personal  notice  of 
the  time  and  place  of  hearing.  The  accused  must  have 
a  full  opportunity  to  be  heard  in  his  own  defence.  An 
accusation  presented  to  the  church  must  always  be  heard, 
either  by  the  church  or  by  the  Examining  Committee, 
unless  the  application  for  a  hearing  is  rejected  at  a  meet- 
ing of  the  church  by  a  three-fourths  vote. 

Rule  5.  Censures. — The  censures  which  may  be  in- 
flicted on  offending  members  are,  according  to  the  aggra- 
vation of  the  offence,  either  (1)  private  reproof,  (2)  public 
admonition,  (3)  suspension,  or  (4)  excommunication.  In 
cases  of  excommunication,  notice  thereof  must  be  given 
from  the  pulpit  on  the  Sabbath. 

Rule  6.  Dismission. — It  is  expected  that  members, 
on  removing  from  the  city,  or  to  other  churches  in  the  city, 
will  ask  for  letters  of  dismission  and  recommendation. 
A  request  for  such  a  letter  may  be  announced  at  the 
weekly  prayer-meeting ;  and  if  no  objection  is  made  to 
the  Clerk,  he  must  issue  a  letter  accordingly,  and  strike 
the  name  of  the  member  dismissed  from  the  roll  of  the 
church. 

If  objection  is  made,  the  matter  must  be  submitted  to 
the  Examining  Committee. 

Rule  7.  Dropping  Members.  —  Members  may  be 
dropped  from  the  roll  of  the  church,  with  or  without  notice 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  299 

to  them,  as  may  be  deemed  just,  by  a  vote  of  the  church, 
upon  the  recommendation  of  the  Examining  Committee, 
either  upon  their  own  application,  or,  in  case  they  have 
abandoned  their  connection  with  the  church  by  prolonged 
absence  or  otherwise,  upon  the  application  of  any  other 
person.  The  name  of  every  member  thus  dropped  must 
be  read  from  the  pulpit  on  the  Sabbath. 

Rule  8.  Deaths  to  be  Recorded. — In  case  of  the  death 
of  any  member  of  the  church,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  any 
surviving  member  of  the  family  to  notify  the  clerk.  And 
if  none  of  the  family  or  immediate  relatives  of  the  de- 
ceased are  members  of  this  church,  then  it  shall  be  the 
duty  of  any  member  of  the  church,  acquainted  with  the 
facts,  to  inform  the  Clerk  of  the  same  in  writing,  that  it 
may  be  entered  upon  the  records. 

III.      ORDINANCES. 

Rule  9  (Communion),  and  Rule  10  (Infant  Baptism), 
see  page  1,64. 

IV.      MEETINGS. 

Rule  ii.  Prayer  Meeting. — This  church  will  meet 
for  prayer  and  conference  every  Friday  evening.  The 
meeting  shall  be  conducted  by  the  Pastor,  or,  in  his  ab- 
sence, by  one  of  the  brethren. 

Rule  12.  Business  Meetings. — A  regular  business 
meeting  of  the  church  shall  be  held  after  the  close  of  the 
prayer-meeting,  on  the  Friday  evening  next  preceding 
the  first  Sabbath  in  each  month ;  but  at  the  meeting  next 
before  the  communion  no  business  other  than  the  recep- 
tion and  dismission  of  members  shall  be  transacted,  ex- 
cept by  unanimous  consent. 


300 


PLYMOUTH   CHURCH. 


Rule  13.  Special  Meetings. — The  Clerk  may,  of  his 
own  motion,  and  must,  at  the  request  of  the  Pastor,  or, 
on  the  written  requisition  of  any  seven  members  of  full 
age,  call  a  special  business  meeting  of  the  church,  by 
causing  a  notice  to  be  read  from  the  pulpit,  or,  where  the 
only  business  to  be  transacted  is  the  appointment  of  del- 
egates to  a  council,  by  a  notice  given  in  the  lecture- 
room. 

Rule  14.  Annual  Meeting. — A  meeting  of  the  church 
for  the  choice  of  officers,  and  transaction  of  other  busi- 
ness, shall  be  held  annually  on  the  second  Friday  evening 
of  December,  at  which  the  Clerk  and  Music  Committee 
must  present  their  reports,  and  the  Treasurer  must  pre- 
sent his  accounts  duly  audited. 

Rule  15.  General  Provisions. — No  business  can  be 
transacted  except  at  meetings  regularly  organized,  and 
with  at  least  seven  members  present ;  nor  can  any  busi- 
ness other  than  the  reading  of  the  reports  be  transacted 
at  the  annual  meeting,  unless  at  least  twenty  members 
have  been  present  at  some  stage  of  the  meeting.  But 
the  action  of  a  meeting  irregularly  convened,  or  without  a 
quorum,  may  be  ratified  at  a  subsequent  regular  meeting 
competent  to  act  upon  the  subject. 

Rule  16.  Moderator. — At  each  business  meeting  a 
moderator  must  be  elected. 

Rule  i  7.  Prayer. — All  meetings  for  business  must  be 
opened  with  prayer. 

Rule  18.  Resolutions. — Resolutions  cannot  be  voted 
upon  at  the  same  meeting  at  which  they  are  offered,  if 
any  objection  is  made  to  a  vote  being  taken,  but  must, 
in  that  case,  be   reduced  to  writing  and  laid  over  to  the 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  30 1 

next  business  meeting  ;  except  in  the  case  of  resolutions 
offered  at  the  annual  meeting. 

Rule  19.  Rules  of  Order. — Business  shall  be  trans- 
acted at  the  annual  meeting  in  the  following  order : 

1.  Reading  the  minutes ; 

2.  Annual  reports  of  the  Clerk,  Treasurer, 

and  Music  Committee  ; 

3.  Election  of  officers  ; 

4.  Proposed  amendments  to  these  Rules,  the 

Articles  of  Faith,  Covenant  or  Form  of 
Admission ;  * 

5.  Other  business. 

In  all  other  respects,  business  meetings  shall  be  regu- 
lated by  the  Manual  of  the  Church,  and,  in  cases  not 
provided  for  thereby,  by  Cushing's  Manual. 

v.    officers . 

Rule  20.  Officers. — The  stated  officers  of  the  church 
are  a  Pastor,  or  Pastors,  nine  Deacons,  an  Examining 
Committee,  a  Music  Committee,  a  Clerk,  an  Assistant 
Clerk,  a  Treasurer,  and  two  Auditors. 

Rule  21.  Pastor. — The  choice  of  a  Pastor  must  be 
made  at  a  meeting  specially  called  for  that  purpose,  by 
notice  from  the  pulpit,  on  two  successive  Sabbaths ;  and 
is  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  Society. 

Rule  22.  Deacons. — The  Board  of  Deacons  shall 
consist  of  nine  brethren,  three  of  whom  shall  be  chosen 
at  each  annual  meeting,  for  three  years  from  the  next 
first  of  January  ;  and  at  the  expiration  of  their  terms  of 
office  they  shall  be  ineligible  for  one  year. 

Rule    23.    Examining    Conunittee. — The    Examining 


302 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


Committee  shall  consist  of  the  Pastor  and  Deacons  (ex 
officio),  and  six  brethren,  two  of  whom  shall  be  chosen  at 
each  annual  meeting,  for  three  years  from  the  next  first 
of  January  ;  and  at  the  expiration  of  their  terms  of  office, 
they  shall  be  ineligible  for  one  year. 

Rule  24.  Music  Committee. — The  Music  Committee 
shall  consist  of  the  Pastor  (ex  officio)  and  six  brethren,  two 
of  whom  shall  be  chosen  at  each  annual  meeting,  for  three 
years  from  the  next  first  of  January ;  and  at  the  expira- 
tion of  their  terms  of  office  they  shall  be  ineligible  for 
one  year. 

Rule  25.  Other  Officers. — The  Clerks,  Treasurer,  and 
Auditors  shall  be  chosen  at  the  annual  meeting,  for  one 
year  from  the  next  first  day  of  January. 

Rule  26.  Mode  of  Election. — All  officers  must  be 
chosen  by  ballot,  unless  otherwise  ordered  by  unanimous 
consent.  A  majority  of  all  the  members  present  and 
voting  shall  be  necessary  to  a  choice. 

Rule  27.  Vacancies. — Vacancies  in  any  of  the  offices 
(except  the  Pastorate),  occurring  between  the  annual 
meetings,  may  be  filled  for  the  unexpired  terms  at  any 
regular  business  meeting :  notice  of  the  election  having 
been  given  from  the  pulpit  on  the  preceding  Sabbath. 

Rule  28.  Duties  of  Deacons. — It  is  the  duty  of  the 
Deacons, 

1.  To  assist  in  the  administration  of  the  Lord's  Sup- 
per; 

2.  To  distribute  the  charities  of  the  church  to  its  poor ; 

3.  To  have  a  general  oversight  of  the  collections  for 
benevolent  objects; 

4.  In  the  absence  or  at  the  request  of  the  Pastor,  to 
provide  a  supply  for  the  pulpit  and  lecture-room ; 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  303 

5.  To  make  all  needful  provision  for  the  meetings  of 
the  church,  and  to  superintend  all  its  affairs  not  actually 
in  charge  of  other  officers  of  the  church. 

Rule  29.  Duties  of  Examining  Committee. — It  is  the 
duty  of  the  Examining  Committee  to  investigate  applica- 
tions for  reception  into,  or  dismission  from,  the  church, 
and  accusations  made  against  its  members ;  and  also  to 
keep  a  vigilant  watch  over  the  membership  in  general. 
The  Committee  must  annually,  at  its  first  meeting  in  Jan- 
uary, appoint  a  Clerk,  who  must  keep  full  records  of  its 
acts,  and  especially  of  the  examination  of  candidates, 
and  must  furnish  the  Pastor  with  a  list  of  persons  pro- 
pounded for  admission  to  the  church  on  the  Sabbath 
morning  next  preceding  the  communion. 

Rule  30.  Musie  Committee. — The  Music  Committee 
has  power  to  appoint  suitable  persons  to  conduct  the 
music  of  the  church ;  make  all  necessary  arrangements 
to  furnish  a  well-disciplined  choir ;  and  also  for  the  prac- 
tical development  of  musical  talent  in  the  congregation. 
It  must  annually,  at  its  first  meeting  in  January,  appoint 
a  Clerk,  who  must  keep  full  records  of  its  acts,  and  re- 
port in  writing  to  the  church  at  the  annual  meeting. 

Rule  31.  Duties  of  the  Clerk. — It  is  the  duty  of  the 
stated  Clerk  : 

1.  To  keep  full  minutes  of  the  transactions  of  the 
church  at  its  business  meetings  ; 

2.  To  keep  two  registers  of  all  the  members  of  the 
church,  one  chronological,  and  the  other  alphabetical,  in 
order ; 

3.  To  keep  a  record  of  the  names  of  all  children  of 
church  members  baptized,  with  the  date  of  their  baptism 
and  of  their  birth,  and  the  names  of  their  parents ; 


304 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


■ 


4.  To  keep  a  record  of  the  admission,  dismission,  or 
death  of  members  of  the  church,  showing  the  date  of  the 
event,  and  to  note  the  same  briefly  on  the  registers  ; 

5.  To  enter  all  reports  accepted  by  the  church,  in  full, 
in  a  book  to  be  specially  kept  for  that  purpose ; 

6.  To  keep  the  Covenant,  Confession  of  Faith,  Form 
of  Admission,  and  Ecclesiastical  Principles  and  Rules, 
recorded  in  a  place  by  themselves  ; 

7.  To  notify  officers,  delegates,  etc.,  of  their  appoint- 
ment ; 

8.  To  issue  letters  of  dismission  and  recommendation, 
pursuant  to  Rule  6  ; 

9.  To  give  reasonable  notice  of  the  meetings  of  the 
church ;  and  to  give  notice  of  the  annual  meeting  on  each 
of  the  two  preceding  Sabbaths  ; 

10.  To  call  special  meetings,  when  required  to  do  so 
under  Rule  13  ; 

11.  To  conduct  the  correspondence  of  the  church  ; 

12.  To  present,  at  the  annual  meeting,  a  written  report 
on  the  state  of  the  church,  giving  its  history  for  the  pre- 
ceding year,  and  an  account  of  the  members  received, 
dismissed,  and  deceased  ;  which  report  must  be  previously 
submitted  to  the  Examining  Committee  for  revision. 

Rule  32.  Duties  of  Assistant  Clerk. — It  is  the  duty  of 
the  Assistant  Clerk  to  assist  the  Clerk  in  the  performance 
of  his  duties,  and,  during  his  absence  or  disability,  to  take 
his  place. 

Rule  t,^.  Duties  of  the  Treasurer. — It  is  the  duty  of 
the  Treasurer  : 

1.  To  receive  the  proceeds  of  all  collections  other  than 
for  the  poor  of  the  church  ; 

2.  To  keep  an  account  thereof,  stating  the  object  for 
which  each  collection  was  taken  up  ; 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH.  305 

3.  To  pay  money  specially  collected  for  the  benefit  of 
an  organized  society  to  the  proper  officer  of  such  society 
only  ; 

4.  To  pay  out  money  otherwise  collected  only  upon 
the  written  order  of  at  least  three  of  the  deacons,  and  then 
only  to  the  cause  for  which  the  money  was  collected,  un- 
less otherwise  ordered  by  a  two-thirds  vote  at  a  regular 
meeting  ; 

5.  To  present  a  written  report  at  the  annual  meeting 
showing  in  detail  all  his  receipts  and  payments. 

Rule  34.  Duties  of  Auditors. — It  is  the  duty  of  the 
Auditors  to  audit  the  accounts  of  the  Treasurer,  and  to 
report  thereon  at  the  annual  meeting. 

Rule  35.  Quorum. — Three  members  of  the  Board  of 
Deacons,  Examining  Committee,  or  Music  Committee, 
respectively,  shall  constitute  a  quorum  for  the  transaction 
of  business. 

VI.    COLLECTIONS. 

Rules  36,  37,  38,  Monthly,  Poor>  and  Thanksgiving 
collections  (see  page  163). 

VII.     MISCELLANEOUS. 

Rule  39.  Delegates. — Members  of  the  church  ap- 
pointed as  delegates  to  other  churches,  or  to  councils, 
must  attend  as  such,  if  possible  :  but  if  they  cannot  do 
so,  may  appoint  substitutes  with  the  approval  of  the  Pas- 
tor or  Deacons,  giving  prompt  notice  to  the  Clerk. 
Delegates  must  report  the  action  of  councils  attended  by 
them,  at  the  next  regular  business  meeting  of  the  church 
after  their  return. 


■ 


306 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


Rule  40.  Suspension  of  Rules. — Rules  3,  6,  10,  11, 
18,  19,  36,  37,  and  38  maybe  suspended  in  particular  in- 
stances, in  whole  or  in  part,  by  the  vote  of  two-thirds 
of  the  members  of  the  church  present  and  voting  at  a 
business  meeting. 

Rule  41.  Alteration  of  Rules. — The  Confession  of 
Faith,  Covenant,  Form  of  Admission,  and  Ecclesiastical 
Principles  and  Rules  shall  not  be  altered  or  suspended, 
except  as  hereinbefore  prescribed,  or  at  an  annual  meet- 
ing, by  a  vote  of  two-thirds  of  the  members  of  the  church 
present  and  voting ;  nor  can  they  be  altered  even  in  such 
case,  unless  a  notice  containing  the  substance  of  the 
alteration  has  been  presented  to  the  church  in  writing  at 
another  business  meeting  within  one  month  previously. 
But  an  alteration  adopted  at  an  annual  meeting  may  be 
rescinded  at  the  next  regular  business  meeting,  if  notice 
of  an  intention  to  move  for  such  rescission  is  presented 
to  the  church  in  writing  at  such  annual  meeting. 

[The  foregoing  rules,  with  the  exception  of  two  slight  alterations  since  made, 
having  been  revised  by  a  special  committee,  were  adopted  as  they  now  stand,  at 
the  annual  meeting  held  December  14,  1865,  and,  by  adjournment,  January  12 
and  19,  1866.] 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


307 


Rules  of  Order  for  Business  Meetings. 


•:o:- 


1.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  Clerk  to  call  the  meeting  to 
order  at  the  time  appointed,  and  when  a  Moderator  has 
been  nominated,  to  put  the  question  upon  the  choice. 
In  the  absence  of  the  Clerk,  any  member  may  call  the 
meeting  to  order,  nominate  a  Moderator,  and  put  the 
question.  A  Clerk  pro  tent,  should  then  be  chosen.  If 
the  meeting  is  adjourned  to  another  day,  the  same 
Moderator  presides. 

2.  Every  motion  must  be  reduced  to  writing,  if  requir- 
ed by  any  member. 

3.  When  a  motion  is  made  and  seconded,  it  should  be 
read  or  stated  by  the  Moderator,  and  is  then  before  the 
meeting  for  consideration ;  and,  until  it  is  disposed  of,  no 
other  business  is  in  order.  It  may  be  withdrawn  by  the 
mover  at  any  time,  if  no  vote  has  been  taken  on  it  or  on 
an  amendment  of  it. 

4.  Several  amendments  may  be  moved  to  a  proposi- 
tion. 

5.  A  motion  to  amend  an  amendment  may  be  made, 
but  not  to  amend  the  second  amendment. 

6.  A  motion  to  strike  out  all  the  words  after  "  re- 
solved," and  to  substitute  a  new  proposition  on  the  same 
subject,  is  in  order. 

7.  Privileged  motions  may  be  made  at  any  time. 
They  are  :  (1)  to  adjourn,  (2)  to  lay  on  the  table,  (3)  the 


30 8  PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 

previous  question,  (4)  to  refer  to  a  committee,  (5)  to 
postpone  to  a  time  fixed. 

The  first  three  are  not  debatable. 

If  the  previous  question  is  carried,  no  further  debate  is 
in  order,  and  the  pending  motion,  with  amendments 
offered,  must  be  immediately  put  to  vote. 

8.  Motions  to  amend  are  to  be  put  in  inverse  order. 

9.  If  several  sums  are  proposed,  the  largest  is  put  to 
the  question  first,  and  of  several  times  the  longest. 

10.  When  a  vote  is  to  be  taken,  the  Moderator,  after 
stating  the  question  to  be  decided,  calls  first  for  the 
"ayes"  and  then  for  the  "noes,"  and  announces  his  de- 
cision. If  any  one  doubts  the  correctness  of  the  decision, 
he  may,  at  any  time  before  another  motion  is  made,  call 
for  a  vote  by  rising,  when  the  Moderator  calls  first  upon 
the  "  ayes  "  and  then  upon  the  "  noes,"  "  to  rise  and 
stand  until  counted." 

n.  While  a  vote  is  being  taken,  debate  is  out  of  order. 

12.  A  member,  who  voted  with  the  majority,  may, 
during  the  same  meeting,  move  a  reconsideration  of  the 
vote,  which  motion  opens  the  subject  again  to  debate. 

13.  While  a  member  has  the  floor,  no  motion  can  be 
made  without  his  consent. 

14.  The  Moderator  is  bound  to  confine  debate  to  the 
point  under  discussion. 

15.  If  a  point  of  order  is  raised  during  debate,  it  must 
be  decided  by  the  Moderator,  subject  to  an  appeal  to 
the  meeting,  before  the  debate  proceeds. 

16.  An  appeal  to  the  meeting  may  be  taken  from  any 
decision  of  the  Moderator. 

17.  Debate  is  not  in  order  unless  there  is  a  motion 
before  the  meeting ;  but  one  who  makes  a  motion  may 
preface  it  with  remarks. 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


309 


18.  If  the  floor  is  claimed  by  more  than  one  member, 
the  Moderator  decides  who  is  entitled  to  it. 

19.  The  question  before  the  meeting  must  be  stated 
by  the  Moderator  on  the  request  of  any  member. 


■ 


3io 


PLYMOUTH  CHURCH. 


Miscellaneous 


■:o:- 


business    meetings.     (See page  164.) 

RELIGIOUS     MEETINGS. 

I. — Preaching  on  Sunday  at  10J  A.M.  and  7 -J-  P.M. 

II. — Young  People's  Prayer  Meeting,  on  Thursday 
evening. 

III. — Prayer  Meeting  of  the  Church,  on  Friday  even- 
ing. 

ADMISSION     INTO     THE     CHURCH. 

The  Examining  Committee  meets,  as  a  rule,  at  the 
close  of  every  Friday  night  prayer  meeting,  except  in 
July,  August,  and  September ;  and  except  also  on  the 
Friday  succeeding  the  last  Sunday  of  each  month. 

Every  one  desiring  to  unite  with  the  church,  whether 
on  profession  or  by  letter,  must  appear  in  po'sofi  before 
the  Committee  for  that  purpose. 


DISMISSION     FROM     THE     CHURCH. 

Applications  for  letters  of  dismission  should  be  made 
in  writing,  giving  the  address  to  which  the  letter  is  to  be 
sent.  Such  applications  should  always  be  made  to  the 
Clerk  of  the  Church,  and  not  to  the  Pastor. 


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